Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HJ00037

Introduced
2/17/23  
Introduced
2/17/23  

Caption

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution To Provide For An Environmental Rights Amendment.

Impact

If enacted, HJ00037 would significantly enhance the legal framework around environmental rights within the state. It entails an important shift toward recognizing natural resources and environmental health as critical public rights, analogous to other fundamental liberties. The amendment would give individuals legal grounds to challenge actions that infringe upon their environmental rights, further aligning the state’s policies with broader movements for environmental justice. This encompasses a commitment to equitable treatment of all individuals, especially marginalized groups, in environmental considerations.

Summary

House Joint Resolution 37 (HJ00037) proposes an amendment to the state constitution to establish individual rights related to environmental protection. It guarantees each person the right to access clean and healthy air, water, and soil, and mandates the state to protect these rights equitably for all citizens. This resolution emphasizes the importance of a stable climate and self-sustaining ecosystems for public health and safety, asserting that these environmental rights are inherent and inalienable. The bill seeks to solidify the state's responsibility as a trustee of its natural resources, emphasizing conservation for present and future generations.

Contention

Although there is broad support for enhancing environmental rights, there are potential points of contention. Some lawmakers and stakeholders may raise concerns around the implications such a constitutional amendment could have on economic development and land use regulations. Critics might argue that the bill could lead to increased litigation or bureaucratic hurdles for businesses operating within the state, potentially affecting growth and job creation. The debates are likely to involve discussions around balancing environmental protections with economic interests, as well as the practicality of enforcing such rights in a legislative context.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SJ00193

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution Regarding Environmental Rights.

CT SJ00004

Resolution Proposing A State Constitutional Amendment Concerning Discrimination On The Basis Of Sex Under The Equal Protection Clause.

CT HJ00171

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution To Revise Requirements Relating To The Offering Of Bail Or Pretrial Release To Persons Accused Of A Crime.

CT HJ00216

Resolution Proposing A State Constitutional Amendment To Allow Individuals Who Have Attained The Age Of Sixteen To Apply For Admission As Electors And To Be So Admitted Upon Attaining The Age Of Eighteen.

CT HJ00217

Resolution Ratifying The Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Permitting Congress To Regulate Child Labor.

CT HJ00230

Resolution Memorializing Congress To Rescind Previous Applications Of The General Assembly Calling For An Article V Convention To Propose Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States.

CT SB00011

An Act Concerning Connecticut Resiliency Planning And Providing Municipal Options For Climate Resilience.

CT HB05004

An Act Concerning The Implementation Of Certain Climate Change Measures.

CT HB05433

An Act Establishing A Procedure For The State Historic Preservation Officer To Make Determinations Concerning Certain Environmental Effects.

CT HB05524

An Act Authorizing And Adjusting Bonds Of The State And Concerning Provisions Related To State And Municipal Tax Administration, General Government And School Building Projects.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.