The Green Amendment for New Mexico

Representative Ferrary  and I will again introduce a Joint Resolution to amend our State Constitution to protect our precious, environmentally fragile environment during the 2024 Session. In the past, Senators Bill Soules, Harold Pope, Liz Stefanics, Bill Tallman, Jerry Ortiz y Pino, Carrie Hamblen, Jeff Steinborn, Linda Lopez, Shannon Pinto, Roberto “Bobby” Gonzales, Benny Shendo and Nancy Rodriquez and Representatives Joanne Ferrary, Andrea Romero, Roger Montoya,  Karen Bash, Tara Lujan, Kay Bounkeua,  Debbie Sarinana, Patricia Roybal-Caballero, Kristina Ortez, Christine Trujilllo, Gail Chasey, Anthony Alison, Liz Thompson, and Miguel Garcia joined in co-sponsoring the bill. The resolution will give New Mexicans a right  to vote for a state constitutional right to clean air, land and water. It will be a powerful message about the people’s position on environmental protection and climate change.

If the legislature passes the Joint Resolution, it will appear on the Ballot as a proposed Constitutional Amendment. If the voters approve it, the New Mexico Constitution will be amended as follows:

SECTION 1. It is proposed to amend Article 2 of the constitution of New Mexico by adding a new section to read:

The people of the state shall be entitled to clean and healthy air, water, soil and environment; a stable climate; and self-sustaining ecosystems, for the benefit of public health, safety and general welfare. The state shall protect these rights equitably for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, tribal membership status, socioeconomics, or geography. 

The state, counties and municipalities shall serve as trustee of the natural resources of New Mexico and shall conserve, protect and maintain these resources for the benefit of all the people, including present and future generations.

The provisions of this section are self-executing. Monetary damages shall not be awarded for a violation of this section. This section is enforceable against the state, counties and municipalities.  

SECTION 3. The amendment proposed by this resolution shall be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election or at any special election prior to that date that may be called for that purpose.

Presentations and More Information about the Green Amendment

The Green Amendment--A Panel of Experts (July 13, 2021)

Progressive Democrats of America July Meeting-feat. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez & Maya Von Rossum (July 14, 2021)

New Mexico Green Amendment for the Generations

Check out Part One of the Green Amendment Documentary!

What are your thoughts and input about the Green Amendment in New Mexico?

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