New Jerseyans One Step Closer to Gaining Right to Clean, Safe Environment Through Historic Green Amendment

TRENTON, NJ – Today, the Senate Environment Committee voted to release the Green Amendment (SCR43, Greenstein, Zwicker) in New Jersey which would amend the state’s constitution to recognize our right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet. The amendment would require that all residents have equal protection from government or private activities that are harmful to the environment.

This amendment would not only provide a major tool to preserve and provide equal access to clean air, water and soil, it will also help us in our work to meet the growing threats of the climate crisis. Government and industry makers will now need to consider New Jerseyans’ rights and become proactive in making environmentally-beneficial decisions. Establishing an enforceable environmental right will drive better government decision-making at all levels and prevent ecological degradation.

NJ Sierra Club Chapter Director, Anjuli Ramos-Busot, made the following statement:

“This historic constitutional amendment would not only empower New Jerseyans to fight for their rights, it will provide them with the legal mechanism to do so. How can we safely live if our air, water, and soil are continuously and irreparably poisoned, and the ability for our future generations to survive diminishes?

“The NJ Sierra Club is glad to see this constitutional amendment move one step closer toward becoming a reality, as our fundamental mission is to explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth; To practice and promote the responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems and resources; To educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives. We look forward to the amendment’s swift movement through the Legislature, and to seeing it on New Jersey ballot in the near future.”

Renée Pollard, NJ Sierra Club Chair of Environmental and Social Justice Committee shared:

“Releasing the Green Amendment sends an inherent significance that all residents of the state of New Jersey, and generations to follow will have the validation of equitable access to a healthy environment. The Green Amendment would solidify that a healthy environment consisting of clean air, clean water, and accessibility is not just for some but for all, and that includes environmental justice communities across the state.”