The Green Amendment for New Mexico

I, along with my colleagues, Senators Bill Soules, Harold Pope, Liz Stefanics, Bill Tallman, Jerry Ortiz y Pino, Carrie Hamblen, Jeff Steinborn, Linda Lopez, Shannon Pinto, Roberto “Bobby” Gonzales,  and Representatives Joanne Ferrary, Andrea Romero, Roger Montoya,  Karen Bash, Tara Lujan, Debbie Sarinana, Patricia Roybal-Caballero, Kay Bounkeua, Kristina Ortez, Christine Trujilllo, Gail Chasey, Anthony Alison, Liz Thompson, and Miguel Garcia will introduce the following Joint Resolution during the 2022 Session. The resolution will give New Mexicans a right to clean air, land and water. It will be a powerful message about the people’s desire to protect New Mexico’s fragile, high desert environment.

If the legislature passes the Joint Resolution, it will appear on the 2022 General Election 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:

A.    The people of the state have the natural, inherent and inalienable right to a clean and healthy environment, including water, air, soil, flora, fauna, ecosystems, and climate, and to the protection of the natural, cultural, scenic and healthful qualities of the environment.

B.    The protection of the state's environment is hereby declared to be of fundamental importance to health, safety and the public interest.

C.    The state, including its political subdivisions, shall serve as trustee of the natural resources of New Mexico, and shall conserve, protect and maintain these resources for the benefit of all New Mexicans, including present and future generations.

D. The provisions of this section are self-executing. Monetary damages will not be awarded under this section.

SECTION 2. It is proposed to amend Article 20 of the constitution of New Mexico by repealing Section 21.

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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