黑料新闻 legislators are in the early stages of considering that would ensure environmental rights are basic civil liberties.
The 鈥淕reen Amendment鈥� would give each state resident the legal right to healthy air, water and soil. Supporters say it would allow those who claim their environmental rights are being violated to sue the government, but not other private citizens.
鈥淭he constitution of this state is about how the state governs. It鈥檚 not about private actors,鈥� said Kim Stoner, coordinator of the 黑料新闻 Environmental Rights Amendment Alliance. 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 sue your neighbor based on this amendment.鈥�
is a lengthy process that requires approval from both lawmakers and state voters. The proposed amendment wouldn鈥檛 appear on the ballot until November 2024 at the earliest.
If it passes, Stoner said the amendment would ensure that environmental rights are protected in every level of government decision-making.
鈥淚f implemented effectively, the 黑料新闻 Environmental Rights Amendment will increase the focus of the state and local governments on preventing pollution for all people, rather than just on permitting and managing pollution,鈥� Stoner said.
Other supporters also hope the proposal will push local and state leaders to better protect the environment and communities of color, which often disproportionately bear the health impacts of pollution.
鈥淣ot only for our sake, but for the sake of future generations, to give them a fighting chance so that they鈥檙e not spending the rest of their lives fighting for their lives,鈥� said Kat Morris, founder of the environmental justice group Seaside Sounds. 鈥淚 think this is one of those choices that could be pivotal in terms of addressing the climate crisis.鈥�
Pennsylvania, New York and Montana are the only U.S. states that have adopted a 鈥淕reen Amendment鈥�. are considering it.
