California Environmental Right Coalition
A proposed amendment to the California Constitution to add a right to a clean and healthy environment.
California Environmental Right Coalition
Advancing the Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment
We are building a statewide coalition to support an Environmental Right Amendment to the Bill of Rights in the California Constitution. This amendment would recognize every Californian’s fundamental right to clean air, clean water, a stable climate, and a healthy environment.
Organizations across the state are joining together to ensure that environmental protection is recognized as a constitutional right—on par with other fundamental rights that safeguard the health and well-being of our communities.
Why a Constitutional Environmental Right?
Existing environmental laws—such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, CERCLA, RCRA and their California analogs are siloed. Each statute provides environmental protection in a specific area, but there are large gaps.
A constitutional environmental right would:
- Establish a fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment
- Strengthen and complement existing environmental laws
- Help ensure long-term protection for natural resources
- Provide stronger tools to hold government accountable
- Safeguard environmental quality for current and future generations
A Growing National Movement
Several states already recognize environmental right in their constitutions. Montana, Pennsylvania, and New York have adopted environmental right amendments in their Bills of Rights, while other states, including Hawaii, recognize environmental protections elsewhere in their constitutions.
Why California?
California has long been a leader in environmental protection. Yet the state constitution does not currently guarantee the right to a clean and healthy environment. It is important to have that right constitutionally recognized on par with other inalienable, fundamental rights.
Adding an Environmental Right Amendment to the California Constitution’s Bill of Rights would:
01
Recognize environmental protection as a fundamental right
02
Strengthen the ability to address environmental harm
03
Ensure that future policies respect the environmental right of all Californians
04
Be able to hold the government more accountable for infringements upon this right
Pathway to the Ballot
Amending the California Constitution requires voter approval. The amendment can reach the statewide ballot through either:
- Legislative Referral
Two-thirds of both the State Senate and Assembly must approve the amendment before it is placed on the ballot.
- Citizen Initiative
Supporters may gather signatures equal to eight percent of the most recent total number of votes cast for the office of Governor to place the amendment on the ballot.
Our coalition is currently focused on advancing the amendment through the legislative process, building on the momentum of ACA 16 (2023–24), introduced by Isaac Bryan, Ash Kalra, and Al Muratsuchi.
Join the Coalition
We invite organizations, advocates, and all Californians to join the Environmental Right Coalition and support the effort to establish a constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.
Coalition partners and supporters will:
-
Demonstrate broad statewide support
for the amendment
-
Help advance environmental
right in California
- Stay informed about legislative progress & opportunities
Interested in joining the coalition?
Sign up for our newsletter or Contact us to sign on as a supporting organization.
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Support the Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment
Help advance a constitutional Environmental Right Amendment in California.
By joining the coalition, you become part of a growing movement of organizations, advocates, and community members working to secure clean & healthy environment for present and future generations.