On August 14, 2024, Hoboken’s Pier A on Sinatra Drive was the site of the “Climate Superfund Strike,” an event organized to push for the passage of the Climate Superfund Act. The rally began at 11 a.m. and brought together elected officials, environmental activists, labor unions, and residents from across New Jersey.
The bill, designated A-4696 in the Assembly, is sponsored by Assemblyman John Allen of the 32nd Legislative District and State Senator John McKeon of the 27th District. It would make fossil fuel companies financially responsible for the damage caused by climate change. The measure follows the approach of the federal Superfund Act, which requires polluters to fund the cleanup of contaminated sites, and is modeled after similar laws in other Northeastern states.
- The Climate Superfund Act would require fossil fuel corporations to pay for climate change–related damages, removing the cost burden from taxpayers.
- Over 200 participants, including prominent state officials and advocacy groups, attended the Hoboken rally to support the bill’s passage.
- The legislation has backing from 45 New Jersey towns, dozens of legislators, and over 100 labor and advocacy organizations.
Legislative Support and Broad Backing
The Climate Superfund Act has the backing of 45 municipalities, more than 100 labor and advocacy groups, and dozens of Assembly members and state Senators. Supporters include 32BJ SEIU, the New Jersey Working Families Party, and NJ Peace Action. Proponents point to data showing that extreme climate events cost the United States $150 billion annually, a figure that does not include healthcare costs, loss of life, or environmental damage. These costs, they say, fall most heavily on poor and disadvantaged communities.
Assemblyman Allen described the legislation as a matter of common sense and said that fossil fuel companies have misled the public about climate change for decades while profiting from it. He stated that those who have financially benefited from environmental harm should be required to pay for repairs.
State Leaders Address Climate Risks
Ben Dziobek, Executive Director of the Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN), called climate change the largest crisis humanity has ever faced. CRAN, established in 2024, has 10,000 Gen Z members across New Jersey and helped organize the rally. Dziobek said municipalities should not bear the financial burden of climate destruction and described working-class residents as having been left to cover the costs of recovery.
Senator McKeon referenced recent flooding in Juneau, Alaska, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, as examples of climate-related disasters. He said about 70,000 New Jersey homes are at risk and predicted flooding in the Meadowlands without stronger protections. McKeon credited Hoboken’s resilience parks with preventing significant flooding from a storm the night before the rally and said the bill should be passed within two months.
Mayor Ravi Bhalla of Hoboken, who is also the Democratic Assembly nominee for the 32nd Legislative District, pointed to repeated flooding events and the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy as evidence of the city’s vulnerability. He said the cost of addressing climate impacts should not be left to local communities and taxpayers.
Residents and Officials Share Firsthand Experiences
Hoboken resident Liz Cohen described how Superstorm Sandy damaged her home, destroying her son’s bedroom and knocking out utility service. She said she received insurance and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance, but some residents were denied aid because the damage was classified as an “act of God.” Cohen said she continues to experience panic attacks during heavy rainfall.
State Senator Raj Mukherji of the 32nd District outlined projections showing that the Hudson River could rise by two feet by 2050 and more than five feet by 2100. He said those who contributed to these conditions should be held financially responsible.
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy repeated a past statement from former President Barack Obama that climate change is happening now. Hudson County Board of Commissioners Chair Anthony Romano recalled that the Hudson River was once more polluted and said further action is needed.
Large Attendance and Closing Remarks
The rally drew more than 200 participants, including Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato of the 31st District, Assemblyman Michael Venezia of the 34th District, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, State Senator Benjie Wimberly of the 35th District, and Democratic Assembly nominee Katie Brennan for the 32nd District.
Allen concluded the event by stressing that urgency is needed to pass the bill. He referenced his recent cancer diagnosis and successful surgery, saying the experience reinforced the understanding that time is limited both for individuals and in addressing climate change. He stated that each day without action adds to the toll in the form of destroyed homes, flooded streets, shuttered businesses, and displaced families.
