16-06-2025
R.I. needs a Green Amendment. It's powerful protection for our environment.
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Recognizing the power of constitutional rights for environmental protection, van Rossum set out to help other states create their own Green Amendments. Her work attracted the attention of the Green Teams of
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The Green Amendment establishes constitutional rights for all Rhode Islanders to clean air and water, clean soil, and a stable climate — similar to other such rights like free speech, due process, and property rights. The state will serve as a trustee for our natural resources, for the equitable benefit of all, for present and future generations. The Green Amendment harnesses the power of the Constitution to protect our environment from adverse commercial or government actions.
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The Rhode Island Senate
Next, the House must pass its
The Environment Council of Rhode Island strongly supports the Green Amendment as effective environmental protection. We think it has an excellent chance of winning the popular election and becoming part of our Constitution.
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Peter Trafton is co-vice president for policy at the Environment Council of Rhode Island, a coalition of organizations and individuals collaborating for over 50 years to protect and improve the environment.
