New Mexico – Maya van Rossum, founder of the nonprofit Green Amendments for the Generations and author of The Green Amendment: The People’s Fight for a Clean, Safe, and Healthy Environment, is spearheading efforts to enshrine the right to a clean environment in New Mexico’s Constitution. The proposal will soon return to the state Legislature, with lawmakers set to prefile the legislation this week, according to Sen. Harold Pope (D-Albuquerque).
If successful, the legislation would create a ballot question, allowing New Mexico voters to decide whether to add a Green Amendment to the state’s Bill of Rights. The measure aims to recognize the right to clean air, water, and a safe climate for all residents, including future generations, while elevating environmental justice protections to the highest constitutional level.
Advocates Push for Action
During a Tuesday news conference, van Rossum highlighted that current environmental laws often regulate pollution rather than preventing it outright, leading to continued harm. She noted that three states—Pennsylvania, Montana, and New Jersey—already have constitutional Green Amendments. Similar proposals are under consideration in 19 other states, with one active ballot initiative.
If passed, New Mexico would become the first state to explicitly recognize the right to a safe climate in its constitution, setting a national precedent.
Also Read – Impact of Biden’s Offshore Drilling Ban on New Mexico’s Oil Industry
Legislative Support and Advocacy
Sen. Antoinette Sedillo López (D-Albuquerque) emphasized the importance of the amendment in safeguarding New Mexico’s environment against potential rollbacks by federal administrations. She cited the persistent efforts that have brought the measure to debate in the Legislature annually since 2021.
“It took a decade to repeal the death penalty and years of legislative work to create the community solar program,” Sedillo López said. “We have persistent legislators and growing advocacy. We will get this done.”
Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque) echoed these sentiments, pointing to the tangible risks posed by environmental degradation, including health issues for children, wildfires, and flash floods. She called on New Mexicans to prioritize the right to clean natural resources over corporate profits.
“Our right to clean air, water, soil, and environment should be protected above profits for the elite,” Roybal Caballero said. “Let New Mexicans decide if we prefer drinkable water for ourselves and future generations or to continue to line the pocketbooks of the elite few.”
A Long Road Ahead
This marks the fifth time the Green Amendment will be debated in New Mexico’s Legislature. Unlike previous versions, this year’s proposal retains an existing constitutional clause that mandates the Legislature to protect natural resources for public use.
Van Rossum and supporters remain optimistic, pointing to the growing number of advocates and changes within the Legislature. If approved, the amendment would ensure long-term environmental protections and strengthen the state’s resilience against climate challenges.
With the legislative session set to begin on January 21, the sponsors are preparing to rally support for what they see as a critical step in securing New Mexico’s environmental future.
