The People’s Right to a Healthy Environment bill has stalled in the Oregon Senate
Despite significant public support, Senate Joint Resolution 28-1 remains in the Senate Rules Committee. Without a committee vote soon, this important environmental legislation may not advance. Your action now can make a difference.
This resolution (SJR 28-1) proposes adding a new section to Oregon’s Constitution that would:
- Establish a fundamental right to a clean, safe, and healthy environment for all people, including future generations.
- Require the state to protect this right fairly for everyone, with special priority given to children and future generations.
- Allow any person to take legal action when this right is threatened, without having to try other remedies first. If they win their case, they can recover their legal costs.
- Recognize environmental protection (clean water, clean air, healthy ecosystems, and climate stability) as top priorities for the state.
- Add to existing environmental protections rather than replacing them.
If passed by the legislature, this amendment would be placed on the ballot for Oregon voters to approve or reject in the next general election.
Two phone calls can help:
- Call Senator Kayse Jama (Rules Committee Chair): 503-986-1724 Tell Senator Jama you support moving SJR 28-1 out of committee.
- Call Senate President Rob Wagner: 503-986-1600 Request that Senator Wagner bring SJR 28-1 to the Senate floor after committee approval.
Key points to mention:
- Referring this measure to voters has no fiscal impact
- This constitutional amendment will save Oregon time and money long-term
- SJR 28-1 provides legal protection against special interest challenges
- The amendment enables state authority to hold polluters accountable
- This protection extends to future generations
For more information about this bill and additional ways to support it, visit the Oregon Coalition for the Environmental Rights Amendment website.