Renewed Effort Advances in California.
A new effort – the California Environmental Right Coalition — is emerging to secure constitutional environmental rights protection in California that meets the Green Amendment definition.
The new effort seeks a more robust version of the amendment than we saw in 2024.
The proposed language would be added to the California Bill of Rights, Article I, and would read :
SEC. 33.
(a) All people, including both present and future generations, have the natural, inherent, fundamental, and inalienable right to a clean, safe, and healthy environment, including pure water, clean air, healthy soils, balanced ecosystems, a safe climate, diverse and abundant native flora and fauna, and to the preservation of the natural, cultural, and healthful qualities of the environment. The state shall not infringe upon these rights through action, inaction, or the action of others. The state shall protect these rights equitably for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomics, geography, or generation.
(b) The state, including each branch, agency, and/or political subdivision, shall serve as trustee of the natural resources of California, including its atmosphere and climate, water resources, navigable waters, submerged and submersible lands, shorelands and coastal areas, wildlife, and fish. The state, shall conserve, protect, and maintain these public-trust assets for the benefit of all the people, including present and future generations.
(c) This provision and the rights stated herein are self-executing. These rights are remedial in purpose, adding to and strengthening existing rights and remedies to achieve a healthy environment for all.
Stay tuned for ways to engage and updated info tools based on the new language.
What’s Happened in California up Until Now?
January 25, 2024, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan and Senator Mark Spreitzer proposed the first California Green Amendment. On April 8, 2024, by a vote of 8 to 3, the amendment passed out of the Committee on Natural Resources. May 16, 2024, the amendment passed out of the Appropriations Committee.
The California Green Amendment as proposed would add to the Declaration of Rights of the California State Constitution and would read:
Section 3.5 is added to Article I thereof, to read:
“The people shall have a right to clean air and water and a healthy environment.”
Ultimately the amendment did not make it through the legislative process. It was stymied before it could be voted upon by the full Assembly.
But the foundation has been laid for a successful future effort likely to begin advancing in 2025.
If you want to stay aware and/or get involved, sign the petition to show your support for all Californians having a RIGHT to clean air & water, and a healthy environment. We will add you to our members rolls and keep you informed. Or, if you prefer not to sign the petition but want to join the Green Amendment movement to stay informed and involved you can do so here.
How Would the California Green Amendment Help Advance Environmental Rights & Justice?
Here are some resources to help advance your knowledge, expertise and leadership on advancing the California Green Amendment.
- Assemblymember Isaac Bryan’s Information Sheet regarding the proposed California Green Amendment 4.5.2024
- California Green Amendment Key Points of Understanding
- California Green Amendment Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
- California Green Amendment for Environmental Justice, Protection & Community Health
- The Process for Amending the California State Constitution
- How Green Amendments Protect Key Environmental Rights — Expert Analysis by Founder M.K. van Rossum for Law360
- Constitutional Green Amendments: Making Environmental Justice a Reality, American Bar Association Natural Resources & Environment Journal
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Here is the comment letter Green Amendments For The Generations submitted on the proposal on behalf of our organization and the Equity Climate Policy Center.
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The Appropriations Committee received a Fiscal Effects analysis in April that does not accurately reflect the power and importance, or the economic impacts of having a California Green Amendment. In response, on 5/7/2024, Green Amendments For The Generations submitted a comment to key leaders sharing some data, information and our expert thoughts.
- Find more information and resources on how a Green Amendment transforms environmental protection & justice: /resources/
- Learn now a Green Amendment is making a difference in the 3 states that have this constitutional protection currently: /resources/legal-resources/
Notable 2024 Read: the LA Times Editorial Board Supports the CA Green Amendment.
Notable 2024 Success: The Los Angeles Unified School District came out in strong support of the California Green Amendment in a June 4, 2024 Resolution.
Notable 2024 Watch California Assemblyman Isaac Bryan explain the values of constitutional Green Amendment protections to TV news.
Stay Informed & Get Engaged
Sign the petition to show your support for all Californians having a RIGHT to clean air & water, and a healthy environment. We will add you to our members rolls and keep you informed.
To join the Green Amendment movement & stay ahead of the curve on what is happening in California and nationwide, sign up for your free membership here so you receive our newsletter, updates and other ways to engage in California and beyond.
