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1/29/2026
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Ujifusa, Boylan legislation would make polluters pay
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STATE HOUSE — Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa and Rep. Jennifer Boylan have reintroduced legislation requiring the largest fossil fuel companies to pay for climate-related damage already affecting Rhode Island’s infrastructure, public health and economy — costs that are currently borne by taxpayers and local governments.
“For decades, fossil fuel companies have collected enormous profits and government subsidies while Rhode Islanders have paid — and continue to pay — for the harms their products have caused,” said Representative Boylan (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence).
Said Senator Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol), “Like Big Tobacco, the fossil fuel industry knew its products caused harm, hid the truth, delayed action, and pushed the costs onto consumers and taxpayers. Accountability is long overdue.”
The bill uses a cost-recovery model, following laws already enacted in New York and Vermont, to recover documented state and municipal costs, including climate-related damage such as flooding, storm damage, coastal erosion, and extreme heat.
Under the legislation (2026-H 7004, 2026-S 2024):
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The Department of Environmental Management would calculate documented climate-related costs already incurred by the state and municipalities.
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Only large fossil fuel corporations with significant historical responsibility for climate harm would be subject to cost recovery.
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Collected funds are legally restricted to climate damage response, infrastructure protection, and public safety.
“It is a concept that has successfully been used in multiple federal hazardous waste Superfund cases: polluters should pay their fair share of the clean-up bill,” said Jeff Migneault, Executive Director, Climate Action Rhode Island.
“These costs are real and ongoing,” Representative Boylan said. “The only question is whether taxpayers keep paying them alone.”
Both sponsors will take part in an event in support of the bill Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. in the Senate Lounge on the second floor of the State House. The event will provide information about the legislation and help supporters engage in ways to promote its passage. The event, which includes light refreshments, will be hosted by Climate Action Rhode Island, Rhode Island Citizens Climate Lobby, Environment Council of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Student Climate Coalition. Make Polluters Pay Week is sponsored by Fossil Free Media, Climate Defenders and Food & Water Watch.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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