(DCNF)—A federal judge blocked New York’s $75 billion climate superfund law Monday, ruling the state cannot force energy companies to pay for global greenhouse gas emissions.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brenda Sannes — an appointee of former President Barack Obama — sided with a coalition of Republican-led states and energy groups challenging New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act, finding that it is preempted by federal law and granting the challengers’ motions for summary judgment. The ruling comes as the Supreme Court prepares to hear oral arguments in October for Suncor Energy v. County Commissioners of Boulder County, a landmark climate case.
“In seeking damages ‘for the cumulative impact’ of conduct that has occurred ‘simultaneously across just about every jurisdiction on the planet[,]’ the Climate Act conflicts with ‘the overriding . . . need for a uniform rule of decision’ on matters influencing national energy and environmental policy, and . . . ‘basic interests of federalism.’” Sannes’ memorandum reads.
The climate superfund law should survive regardless of which legal standard the court applied, New York argued. But Sannes disagreed, finding that the law was not entitled to the usual benefit of the doubt courts sometimes give state laws when deciding whether they are overridden by federal law.
“This is because these disputes ‘often implicate two federal interests that are incompatible with the application of state law: (i) the ‘overriding need for a uniform rule of decision’ on matters influencing national energy and environmental policy, and (ii) ‘basic interests of federalism,’” the Obama-appointed judge wrote in the memorandum.
That legal principle, known as the “presumption against preemption,” generally requires courts to hesitate before concluding that Congress intended federal law to displace a state’s authority. Sannes found that presumption did not protect New York’s law and ultimately concluded that the Clean Air Act preempts the state’s attempt to impose liability for greenhouse gas emissions originating outside its borders.
The Climate Change Superfund Act requires major fossil fuel companies to collectively pay $75 billion over 25 years based on their alleged share of greenhouse gas emissions between 2000 and 2024. New York intended to use the money for infrastructure projects designed to address costs attributed to “climate change.”
The Supreme Court’s Suncor case is centered on whether states and local governments can use state law to hold fossil fuel companies liable for alleged harms tied to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Boulder’s lawsuit is governed by federal law because greenhouse gas emissions mix globally and cannot be confined within Colorado’s borders, Suncor and ExxonMobil argued.
The New York ruling does not decide the Suncor case, but Sannes relied on a similar federalism concern in finding that New York could not impose its own liability regime on emissions generated around the country and world.
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Peabody Energy, Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Core Natural Resources and Alliance Resource Partners did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s requests for comment.
The climate ruling adds to a busy stretch of legal and political battles for Democratic New York Attorney General Letitia James.
A New York assistant attorney general claimed Friday that James’ office directed him to investigate specific individuals and organizations affiliated with President Donald Trump.
James has long sparred with Trump, making him a focus of her 2018 campaign for attorney general and promising at the time to hold him accountable. “Nobody is above the law, not even [Trump],” James wrote during the campaign.
The attorney general is simultaneously defending New York’s restrictions on civilian body armor against a Second Amendment challenge brought by the Firearms Policy Coalition.
James is also facing a federal lawsuit alongside Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul from 15 New York sheriffs challenging a state law restricting their cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Another law passed in May gave James authority to investigate sheriffs who cooperate with federal immigration authorities, and her office has already issued subpoenas to several sheriff’s offices. James and Hochul called the sheriffs’ lawsuit a “frivolous waste of taxpayer dollars.”
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.