HB 2233: Extreme Weather Relief Act; established.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Extreme Weather Relief Act established. Establishes the Extreme Weather Relief Program, administered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, for the purpose of holding parties responsible for covered greenhouse gas emissions between the covered period of January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2024, for the parties' share of the Commonwealth's costs due to climate change. The bill defines responsible parties as fossil fuel extractors or crude oil refiners causing emissions of one billion metric tons or more of covered greenhouse gases during the covered period. Under the bill, responsible parties are strictly liable for cost recovery payments to the Commonwealth. The bill requires the State Treasurer to conduct an assessment of the costs to the Commonwealth and its residents of the emissions of covered greenhouse gases during the covered period. The bill establishes the Extreme Weather Relief Fund into which the cost recovery payments from responsible entities are deposited and used to pay for extreme weather relief projects, as defined in the bill.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 11

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. February 5, 2025Left in Labor and Commerce
2. January 30, 2025Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (5-Y 0-N)
3. January 29, 2025Assigned L & C sub: Subcommittee #4
4. January 28, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB2233)
5. January 7, 2025Referred to Committee on Labor and Commerce
6. January 7, 2025Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-08-2025 25104642D