As the federal government threatens states’ authority to regulate climate policy, Environmental Rights Amendments (ERAs) present a key opportunity for states to guarantee the right to a clean and healthy environment through a constitutional mandate. These amendments can be used to advance critical efforts in the states where they exist, protecting residents against groundwater contamination, hazardous air pollution, natural resource extraction, and other climate and environmental impacts. They also can be a key tool in regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
We’ve invited a panel of experts to dive into the basics of ERAs, including key policy design considerations and how they’ve been used to secure legal victories. Our expert panel includes:
- Sara Zimmerman, Founder and Executive Director of the Climate Equity Policy Center
- Maya K. van Rossum, Founder and Leader of Green Amendments for the Generations
- Mat dos Santos, Co-Executive Director and General Counsel at Our Children’s Trust