The State of New York is facing a historic opportunity – the passage of a constitutional amendment that will recognize the right to clean water, clean air and a healthful environment. At the request of the public, the New York Legislature is considering an amendment to the State Constitution to enshrine these rights as part of our State’s constitutional Bill of Rights.

It is commonly thought that with the thousands of environmental laws on the books, New Yorkers already have a right to clean water, clean air and a healthy environment. But that is simply not the case. While federal and state environmental laws are designed to manage pollution, clean up and remediate contamination, and conserve natural resources, these laws do not protect the fundamental notion that clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment are inalienable, meaning these rights cannot be taken away. A constitutional right could help change that by providing the highest legal protection available under the law.

Clean water, air, a stable climate and healthy environment are so fundamental to sustaining healthy lives and a healthy economy, it is right and appropriate that they should be protected with the same legal strength that we protect our rights to free speech, freedom of religion, our due process rights and our property rights.

Sign below in support of New York's proposed constitutional amendment.