The right of the people to a clean, safe, and healthy natural environment and to its preservation (first consideration).
If enacted, AJR144 would have significant implications for state laws related to environmental protection and natural resource management. It would establish a constitutional right that may influence legislative and regulatory processes, potentially leading to stronger environmental safeguards and policies aimed at combating pollution and climate change. The bill's proponents argue that embedding such rights into the constitution would provide a robust framework for advocating environmental justice and ensuring governmental accountability in protecting ecological health.
AJR144 proposes a constitutional amendment to create Section 27 of Article I, emphasizing the people's inherent right to a clean, safe, and healthy environment. The bill articulates that this right encompasses access to pure water, clean air, healthy soils, self-sustaining ecosystems, and a stable climate. It seeks to promote the preservation of not only the natural environment but also its cultural and scenic qualities for current and future generations. This initiative aims to prioritize environmental considerations at the constitutional level, ensuring that these rights are recognized as foundational within state law.
Debates surrounding AJR144 likely arise from concerns about the role of government in environmental regulation and individual rights. Critics may argue that such amendments could lead to increased litigation and regulatory overreach, complicating economic development and individual freedoms. Proponents counter that regardless of potential challenges, the health of ecosystems is a public concern that requires constitutional protection to ensure the well-being of both present and future generations.