New York State has taken a bold step in the fight against climate change, defying President-elect Donald Trump's plans to roll back environmental protections. Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the Climate Change Superfund Act into law, which will require the biggest multinational oil and gas companies to contribute to a fund aimed at protecting New York residents from increasingly dangerous climate disasters.

The landmark legislation is a significant move, especially given Trump's expected dismantling of existing climate policies and gutting of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The law will generate an estimated $75 billion over the next 25 years, which will be used for infrastructure projects designed to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as storms and sea level rise.

The Climate Change Superfund Act is modeled after state and federal laws that have been in place for decades, holding companies responsible for toxic waste sites. However, instead of cleaning up hazardous substances, the fund will support resiliency projects, such as upgrading stormwater drainage systems. At least 35% of the benefits will reach "disadvantaged" communities, which are often the most vulnerable to climate-related disasters.

According to the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), the law is expected to reduce New Yorkers' future tax burden by $3 billion each year. Extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change are projected to cost half a trillion dollars in preparation and recovery efforts in New York by 2050.

The move is a testament to the power of state-level action in the face of federal inaction. As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, his administration's climate policies are expected to be significantly rolled back. Trump has promised to withdraw from the Paris agreement and has openly disparaged clean energy and federal environmental regulations on the campaign trail.

In contrast, New York's Climate Change Superfund Act demonstrates that states can take bold action to address climate change, even in the face of federal hostility. The law is part of a larger trend, with similar legislation introduced in California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and in Congress, according to the nonprofit Food & Water Watch.

Vermont has already passed its own Climate Superfund law, and other states are likely to follow suit. This grassroots movement is crucial, as it will be up to local and state efforts to deal with the pollution from fossil fuels that's causing climate change, at least for the next four years.

As State Senator Liz Krueger said, "New York has fired a shot that will be heard round the world: the companies most responsible for the climate crisis will be held accountable." The Climate Change Superfund Act is a powerful statement that states will not wait for federal action to address the urgent threat of climate change.

While the law will face legal challenges, its passage is a significant victory for environmental advocates and a testament to the power of state-level action. As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, New York's Climate Change Superfund Act serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in the face of federal inaction, states can take bold action to protect their citizens and the planet.