New Jersey May Force Fossil Fuel Firms to Fund Climate Damage Repairs

Issue #566

January 04, 2026

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🐟New Jersey May Force Fossil Fuel Firms to Fund Climate Damage Repairs

💰State Medical Debt Relief Clears $86M for Tens of Thousands of New Jerseyans

🚧 Atlantic City Expressway Goes Fully Cashless with New Tolling System

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Daisy Lane Boutique

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 January 4

Have an Upcoming Event?

New Jersey May Force Fossil Fuel Firms to Fund Climate Damage Repairs

New Jersey lawmakers are considering landmark legislation that would make fossil fuel companies financially accountable for the environmental and economic damage caused by climate change. The proposed Climate Superfund Act seeks to establish a fund supported by major polluters, mirroring the federal Superfund law that forces companies to pay for toxic waste cleanup. Under this bill, fossil fuel producers would be required to contribute payments toward climate-related damage costs within the state—costs that include rising sea levels, flooding, extreme weather, and infrastructure strain. The legislation is designed to recover billions in expenses that the state anticipates as it adapts to intensifying climate impacts. The bill is grounded in research tracing decades of greenhouse gas emissions to a limited number of corporate actors. Advocates argue that these companies should shoulder a fair share of the financial burden since their activities have significantly contributed to global warming.

State Medical Debt Relief Clears $86M for Tens of Thousands of New Jerseyans

In its sixth and latest effort to tackle the burden of medical debt, New Jersey has cleared over $86 million owed by more than 53,000 residents. The announcement marks another milestone in the state's Medical Debt Relief Initiative, launched in partnership with the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt. With this latest round, the statewide total of forgiven medical debt now approaches $1.4 billion, benefiting more than 828,000 New Jerseyans since the program began. The initiative is supported by funds from the American Rescue Plan, with $600,000 used in this round alone to purchase bundled medical debt portfolios. Instead of seeking repayment, the debt is erased entirely. Eligible residents do not need to apply or enroll; relief is granted automatically if the debt qualifies under income and debt-ratio guidelines. This effort is part of a broader strategy to reduce the financial and health-related impacts of medical debt, which often discourages individuals from seeking necessary care. In addition to debt relief, the state has enacted protections such as barring most medical debt from being reported to credit agencies

 

Atlantic City Expressway Goes Fully Cashless with New Tolling System

Starting today, the Atlantic City Expressway will no longer offer cash toll collection as it transitions to a fully automated system. Drivers traveling the 44.1-mile stretch can continue without stopping, as overhead gantries will now track vehicle movement electronically. The South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) states the change is aimed at reducing traffic congestion, improving safety, and streamlining the driving experience. E-ZPass users will continue to have tolls automatically deducted, while drivers without a transponder will receive toll bills by mail based on license plate recognition. The shift comes with increased costs, particularly for those not enrolled in E-ZPass. Toll-by-plate users will pay nearly twice the regular toll. Billing occurs after a vehicle accumulates $50 in tolls or 30 days have passed, whichever comes first. A $5 late fee applies for overdue payments. This marks a significant departure from the previous $50 fine for nonpayment at traditional booths. To commemorate the system’s launch, SJTA will host an official ceremony Monday at 10 a.m. at the Farley Service Plaza in Hammonton, located at milepost 21.3. This site also serves as a center for customers to open E-ZPass accounts and settle toll payments, though it will remain closed on Sundays. This upgrade places the Atlantic City Expressway in line with other regional road systems, such as the Cape May County Bridge Commission, which transitioned its five Ocean Drive bridges to cashless tolling in 2025. Pennsylvania’s turnpike has been gradually adopting the system since a 2016 pilot program, with full automation expected by next year

Which historic site in Cape May was recognized by the Travel Channel as one of the top 10 beaches in the United States in 2008?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Answer to the January 3rd Trivia Question

Cape May is renowned as one of the best locations in North America for observing which natural phenomenon, attracting enthusiasts from around the world?

A) Northern Lights
B) Whale Breeding Grounds
C) Autumn Bird Migration
D) Solar Eclipses

Answer: C) Autumn Bird Migration

Cape May serves as a major migratory route for hundreds of bird species each fall. The peninsula's unique geography funnels birds into the area, making it a premier destination for birdwatchers and ornithologists who come to observe and study a diverse array of migrating birds during the autumn months.

How Did We Do In This Issue?

Cape May Local Scoop Wants To Know Your Thoughts About Our Newsletter...

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

1