HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 2
55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2022
INTRODUCED BY
Joanne J. Ferrary and Tara L. Lujan and Antoinette Sedillo Lopez and Gail Chasey and Harold Pope
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 PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, AND DIRECTS THE STATE TO SERVE AS TRUSTEE OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES OF NEW MEXICO FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL NEW MEXICANS 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 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 shall not be awarded for a violation of 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.
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