Oppose AB-1243: Halt burdensome polluter fees

Subject: Oppose AB-1243: Address Complexity and Economic Impact of Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act

My name is [Full Name], and I am writing to express my opposition to AB-1243, the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act of 2025. While addressing climate change is crucial, this bill introduces a complex and burdensome framework that could lead to significant administrative inefficiencies and economic disruptions. The bill's requirement for the California Environmental Protection Agency to conduct extensive climate cost studies and determine cost recovery demands (Sections 71371.3, 71371.4) creates a cumbersome bureaucratic process. This complexity could result in delays and increased costs, ultimately hindering effective climate action. Additionally, the provision allowing entities to challenge their designation as responsible parties (Section 71371.5) opens the door to prolonged legal battles, further complicating enforcement. Imposing retroactive financial liabilities on businesses for emissions dating back to 1990 (Section 71371.1) is unfair and could penalize companies for past actions under different regulatory environments. This approach risks deterring investment and harming California's economic landscape. The urgency statute's immediate effect (Section 4) also fails to provide adequate time for businesses to prepare, potentially causing operational disruptions. In conclusion, while the intent to hold polluters accountable is commendable, AB-1243's approach is flawed and could lead to unintended negative consequences. I urge you to reconsider this bill and seek more balanced solutions that effectively address climate change without imposing undue burdens on businesses and the state's economy. Sincerely,