In the face of federal environmental rollbacks – Green Amendments are a solution everyone can get behind.
As we watch the federal government roll back even the most basic of environmental protections, we have seen advocates and dedicated elected officials across the nation work to advance Green Amendment protections within their state. Nationwide, members of our Green Amendment movement and communities understand that among the most positive, proactive, and effective steps we all can take in the face of federal rollbacks is to secure more protections within our states. The best way to secure heightened protection across the range of environmental issues in need of attention, is to pass in every state a Green Amendment which – in one fell swoop – protects our water, air, climate, ecosystems, wildlife and environments from a range of existing and emerging threats.
As Maya always says: It is not a matter of IF we will get Green Amendments nationwide, it is just a matter of WHEN.
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February has been a busy month of ups and downs. Here are some key updates & developments over the course of the month.
New Mexico
The New Mexico Green Amendment had its first hearing in the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee on February 3rd and passed with a vote of 6-3 ! Representative Joanne Ferrary, Representative Patricia Roybal Caballero, Representative Joseph Hernandez, Senator Harold Pope, and Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez all attended the hearing to share their support for the Green Amendment to their fellow legislators who ran the committee, and invited Green Amendments Founder Maya van Rossum to serve as their expert to respond to the questions posed by Committee members.
Advocates in the state came out; in force to support the Green Amendment with their testimony, and organized education and outreach efforts to spread the word.
But oil and gas, and industry representatives continued to turn up the heat of opposition. The power of the purse they wield over legislators remains the biggest hurdle to be overcome.
As in previous years, the head of the key next committee has not scheduled the amendment for its next needed hearing, citing committee opposition as the reason. With the legislative session over 50% over, this blockade signals the end of the line for the 2025 effort. But advocates are already planning next steps for continuing the effort to secure a New Mexico Green Amendment as it waits to get scheduled for its next hearing in the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Regardless of what happens this session, we are planning to hit the ground running for whatever needs to be done! If you are interested in joining the NM Green Amendment effort, sign up for our Action Platform where we have our weekly strategy calls at http://bit.ly/NM_GAActionApp
As Unitarian Universalist Church church members we believe that we are part of an interdependent web of existence and have a responsibility to maintain the health of our planet for all beings. Some communities are at greater risk for the adverse effects of climate change and of practices that poison our air, water, and soils. This is not right. This is not just. I am grateful to my fellow UUs for standing up—for ALL of us–to have the RIGHT to clean air, water, soil and healthy ecosystems. This RIGHT is as fundamental as the freedom of expression and the other constitutional rights we enjoy. It is time that the people of New Mexico be given the opportunity to voice their support for this amendment.”
— David Steele, Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry Chapter Leader, UU Church of Las Cruces.
Stay engaged for the coming year at www.NMGreenAmendment.org
Connecticut
The CT amendment was the subject of a robust and successful hearing, with testifiers and written comment demonstrating the overwhelming support for the CT ERA – aka the CT Green Amendment. While 35 people submitted testimony in opposition, 246 people submitted written testimony in support of the amendment.
After a long day of testimony on a variety of bills, the Government Administration and Elections Committee adjourned without taking a vote. But advocates, led by Kim Stoner with CT NOFA, continue their education and outreach, and to encourage a Committee vote that will advance the amendment.
Stay up to speed at www.CTGreenAmendment.org
Kentucky
The Kentucky Green Amendment has been PROPOSED! In a bi-partisan effort, Representative Sarah Stalker and Representative Kim Banta proposed the 2025 language for a Kentucky Green Amendment on February 12th.
Get involved today and learn more at www.kygreenamendment.org
Nebraska
For the first time, Nebraska has proposed a Green Amendment. Read the press announcement here. The Nebraska Green Amendment, advancing in partnership with Nebraskans for Peace, Nebraska Interfaith Power & Light, Nebraska Sierra Club and a wonderful advocate Sheridan Macy, was proposed by Senator George Dungan. The amendment already had its first hearing on February 26th. In anticipation of the hearing, 138 proponents submitted comments online in support, and only 9 opposition and 1 neutral comment were submitted. The hearing ended without a vote, but still, this was a great start for Nebraska!
To learn more about the Nebraska amendment and efforts: www.NEgreenamendment.org.
Oregon
The Oregon Green Amendment continues to enjoy robust community activism and support from a robust and well organized leadership team operating under the moniker OCERA. The amendment will be getting its first hearing in March.
Stay tuned for the results and stay up to speed at www.ORGreenAmendment.org
Rhode island
For the first time, a Rhode Island Green Amendment has been officially proposed. You can read the press announcement here. Lifted off the ground by the Green Team at Peace Dale Congregational Church, efforts are underway to grow and expand awareness and support.
To learn more and engage: www.RIgreenamendment.org
Hawaii
After a successful hearing before the Senate Agriculture & Environment Committee which passed the Hawaii Green Amendment by a vote of 5 to 0, the amendment stalled when the chair of the next committee refused to schedule it for a hearing. So Hawaii’s effort has come to the end of the road for 2025, but already planning is underway to continue with education and outreach. Thanks to Senator Rhodes and Gabbard, and Representative Poepoe for leading the effort with legislators. And thank you to 350Hawaii for taking on the lead organizing role for the state and for already sending out positive energy for 2026.
Stay up to speed at www.HIGreenAmendment.org.
You can also join our Hawaii Green Amendment Action Platform at bit.ly/HI_GAActionApp
Other Green Amendment Proposals
Green Amendments were also re-proposed in Texas, Iowa, Tennessee and West Virginia.
Next month, Texas’ lead legislator Rep Vikki Goodwin is planning a press conference to spread the word and encourage growing awareness and enthusiasm for the importance of Green Amendment protections in the state.
Stay tuned for the next step opportunities in each of these states at their respective websites/webpages:
TXGreenAmendment.org
IAGreenAmendment.org
TNGreenAmendment.org
WVGreenAmendment.org
Great Way To Stay Up To Speed & Engage – the Green Amendment Action Platform
Join now – it’s free and easy.
In addition to the various websites – a great place to get the most up to date information, and to be able to actively engage with Green Amendments For The Generations and other advocates working in your state and nationwide, is to join the Green Amendment Action Platform. Join the national community but also join the state communities of greatest interest to you.
