Green Amendments: Vehicles for Environmental Justice
Despite existing laws, communities across the United States are exposed to dangerous environmental conditions that can have devastating effects on public health. One emerging mechanism to address these issues are “green amendments,” self-executing provisions added to a state constitution that recognize and protect the rights of all people, including future generations, to pure water, clean air, and a stable climate. On July 22, 2021, the Environmental Law Institute and Green Amendments for the Generations co-hosted a panel of experts that explored the potential for green amendments to secure the right to a healthy environment and help secure environmental justice for all. Below, we present a transcript of that discussion, which has been edited for style, clarity, and space considerations.