Constitutional Law

November 20, 2017 by Editor in Commentary, Discover More

A New Solution to Trump’s Relentless Attacks on the Environment

The NY Times article, Why Has the E.P.A. Shifted on Toxic Chemicals? An Industry Insider Helps Call the Shots, exposes the efforts by Donald Trump’s EPA to undermine critical protections for

The Silent Pandemic Poisoning Our Children

A study published online October 25, 2017, provides a detailed and scary new analysis of the devastating impacts pollution emanating from unconventional oil and gas development, including fracking for

Green Amendments For The Generations

4 days ago

Come see Green Amendments Founder and Delaware Riverkeeper Maya K. van Rossum at the OASIS* and NJ Audubon Eco-Schools Conference on December 4th! Maya will be providing a keynote speech to wrap up this great event, which uplifts school sustainability success stories.December 4, 2025, 9:00 am - 3:30 pmThe Lawrenceville School, 2500 Main StLawrenceville, NJ 08648 ... See MoreSee Less

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Green Amendments For The Generations

4 days ago

Come rock out for #GreenAmendments in Washington state! Get your tickets at bit.ly/WAGAconcert and come support this amazing cause! ... See MoreSee Less

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Green Amendments For The Generations

5 days ago

And another one in the bag!Press Release:Township of Haddon & Appalachian Mountain Club Pass Resolutions Supporting the New Jersey Green AmendmentHaddon Township, New Jersey — Additional groups have passed resolutions in support of the New Jersey Green Amendment (SCR43/ACR119), including Haddon Township and the Appalachian Mountain Club. The Amendment seeks to enshrine New Jersey residents’ rights to clear air, pure water, a stable climate, and healthy ecosystems in the Bill of Rights section of the NJ State Constitution. If the Amendment passes through the state legislature and a majority vote of the people, New Jerseyans’ rights to clean air, pure water, a stable climate, its Bill of Rights placement will give environmental rights the same recognition and protection as other fundamental freedoms like free speech and freedom of religion. The Board of Commissioners of the Township of Haddon unanimously passed Resolution #2025-136 on Oct. 28, 2025. In the resolution text, the Township highlights its concern for the health and welfare of the people of New Jersey and firmly states its support for “securing a constitutional right to pure water and soil, clean air, a stable climate, and healthy environments for all people, including future generations.” Just earlier this year, Camden County also previously passed a resolution in support of the Green Amendment.“A Green Amendment would provide for safe air and water and a healthy environment for current and future generations. If adopted, this will be of benefit not only to the residents of Haddon Township but for all New Jersey residents,” said Township of Haddon Mayor Randy Teague.Building on that momentum, the national Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) also passed a resolution of support on Nov. 4, 2025, encouraging the New Jersey legislature to pass the Amendment and allow the people of the state to vote on the measure. In its resolution, the Club cited how similar amendments in the states of Pennsylvania, Montana, and New York have been instrumental in recognizing and protecting people’s rights to clean, safe, and healthy environments. Founded in 1876 and with 90,000 current members, AMC is the nation’s longest-serving conservation and recreation organization.“I am working on passage of the Green Amendment so my grandchildren and their children can have the same or a better environment than I have enjoyed,” said Jeff Arnold, the conservation co-chair of the AMC Delaware Valley Chapter and the advocate who spearheaded these two resolution efforts.As proposed the New Jersey Green Amendment would read: Article 1 will be amended to add…1. Every person has a right to a clean and healthy environment, including pure water, clean air, a safe climate and ecologically healthy habitats, and to the preservation of the natural and scenic qualities of the environment. The State shall not infringe upon these rights.2. The State’s natural resources, among them its waters, air, flora, fauna, climate, and public lands, are the common property of all the people, including both present and future generations. The State shall serve as trustee of these resources, and shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all people.3. This paragraph and the rights stated herein are (1) self-executing, and (2) shall be in addition to any rights conferred by the public trust doctrine or common law. Nothing in this paragraph shall abrogate the Rules of Court that prohibit the filing of frivolous claims.“In a time where our democracy is threatened each day, we are excited to see municipal and organizational leaders uplifting the power of the people through constitutional amendments,” said Maya K. van Rossum, Founder of the Green Amendments For The Generations organization that helped initiate the New Jersey Movement and is currently partnering with over half of the states across the nation to secure constitutional environmental rights. “Allowing the people of the state to decide what values they wish to see recognized and protected in their state constitutions, and therefore guide state and local decision-making, is the pure essence of American democracy. We are excited to continue our work in New Jersey to educate and engage communities on the ever-expanding Green Amendment movement, and advance environmental rights that are essential for our livelihoods."The Township of Haddon and the Appalachian Mountain Club join a growing list of local governments and organizations backing the Green Amendment, including Somerset County, the Village of Ridgewood, Borough of Metuchen, Borough of Fair Lawn, Burlington County, Essex County Board of Freeholders, the Sierra Club – New Jersey Chapter, Medical Society of New Jersey, Franklin Township (Somerset and Hunterdon Counties), the Municipality of Princeton, Camden County, Township of Bordentown, Borough of Oaklyn, Cherry Hill Township and others.To learn more about the NJ Green Amendment Movement and how you can get involved, visit www.NJGreenAmendment.org.Read the full press release here:njgreenamendment.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/PR_GAFTG_HaddonAMCResolutions.pdf #GreenAmendment #NJGreenAmendment #EnvironmentalRights ... 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Green Amendments For The Generations

6 days ago

Holidays and gift giving season is coming faster than we think! Order your Guardian Gnome merch today for the favorite nature protector in your life! This and so much more at www.guardiangnome.org ... See MoreSee Less

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Green Amendments For The Generations

7 days ago

“I refuse to give up on our system of law and democracy where we the people have the ultimate power.” - Maya van Rossum, Founder of the Green Amendment Movement.In her fiery sermon from the Fountain Street Church pulpit, Maya van Rossum shares her vision for the future: one where we the people take back the power that belongs to ALL OF US.This brighter future is possible with the passage of Green Amendments in every state constitution across the nation. Using our most powerful tools of U.S. democracy, we can make our government work for us and our Mother Earth, and give our rights to clean air, pure water, a safe climate, and healthy environments highest legal protection and recognition.Watch Maya’s full sermon at bit.ly/FountainStSermon to hear more, get inspired, and answer the call to action.Join the movement today at www.GreenAmendment.org . ... See MoreSee Less

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