From deadly heat waves to ferocious hurricanes and raging wildfires, communities across the nation are paying a steep price for climate disasters. Here is Maine, our most common disasters will be heavy rain, stormwater and coastal flooding, and increased electricity and fuel costs for heating and cooling.  Families are also facing higher insurance premiums, soaring food costs and mounting health bills. Meanwhile, the fossil fuel companies driving this crisis are raking in record profits — without paying a dime toward the damage they have caused.

It doesn’t have to be this way. The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act in Congress would require Big Oil to contribute just a small share of profits to a federal fund. That climate fund would help rebuild communities after disasters, protect frontline neighborhoods and invest in resilience so we’re better prepared for the next storm, flood or fire.

We’ve seen states like Vermont and New York already lead with climate superfund laws, but we need action at the federal level. Our leaders in Congress must put people over polluter profits and pass the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act. 

The time to act is now — before the next disaster strikes. Maine’s federal delegation should support this legislation while we work in-state to pass a similar bill.

Kate Jackson
Portland