Chamber of Commerce Sues Vermont Over Climate Law

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Petroleum Institute have filed a federal lawsuit against Vermont, challenging its new law requiring fossil fuel companies to contribute to damages caused by climate change. This law, the first of its kind in the U.S., emerged after Vermont experienced over $1 billion in damages from severe weather events. The lawsuit claims the law is unconstitutional, preempted by the federal Clean Air Act, and unfairly targets out-of-state companies. Proponents of the law argue it holds major polluters accountable for their role in climate change, while opponents contend that measuring individual emissions over decades is impractical. Vermont's Attorney General's Office has not yet been formally served with the lawsuit, which could set a significant precedent as other states consider similar measures. The implications of this legal battle extend beyond Vermont, potentially affecting consumer costs nationally.