The Superfund program for environmental alleviation was designed to be paid for by a tax on chemical and oil companies. But this tax expired years ago, leaving the program strapped for cash. All this has changed in recent months. Last fall, the chemical tax was brought back as part of the massive federal infrastructure bill. The oil tax has returned as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed today by President Joe Biden.

NJ Spotlight News anchor Briana Vannozzi spoke with Rep. Frank Pallone about the restoration of the special tax, and why it matters.

Hazard NJ is an investigative podcast and multimedia project from NJ Spotlight News, which reveals the dangers posed by climate change to New Jersey’s Superfund sites and the consequent health threats posed to people. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and more. Read stories and watch reports here.