SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION
55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2021
INTRODUCED BY
Antoinette Sedillo Lopez and William P. Soules and
Joanne J. Ferrary and Harold Pope, Jr.
A JOINT RESOLUTION
PROPOSING TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO BY ADDING A NEW SECTION OF ARTICLE 2 THAT PROVIDES THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO A CLEAN AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT AND THE RIGHT TO THE PRESERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, AND DIRECTS THE STATE TO PROTECT ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL THE PEOPLE AND BY REPEALING THE CURRENT POLLUTION CONTROL PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 20, SECTION 21.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:
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, including future generations, have the right to a clean and healthy environment, including pure water, clean air, healthy ecosystems and a stable climate, and to the preservation of the natural, cultural, scenic and healthful qualities of the environment.
B. The state, including each branch, agency and political subdivision, shall serve as trustee of the natural resources of the state, among them its waters, air, flora, fauna, climate and public lands. The state shall conserve, protect and maintain these resources for the benefit of all the people, including generations yet to come.
C. The rights stated in this section are inherent, inalienable and indefeasible, are among those rights reserved to all the people and are on par with other protected inalienable rights. The provisions of this section are self-executing."
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.
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