JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- GREEN AMENDMENT (Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 1 providing for a right to clean air, soil, climate, and the environment’s natural values.)

Rhode Island "Green Amendment" – Plain English Summary

This bill proposes adding a new right to the Rhode Island Constitution that would guarantee every resident the right to clean air, clean water, healthy soil, a stable climate, and a healthy natural environment. Because this is a constitutional amendment rather than a regular law, the Rhode Island General Assembly cannot simply pass it on its own — if approved by the legislature, it would then go to Rhode Island voters, who would have the final say on whether to add it to the state constitution.

If passed and ratified by voters, this amendment would become part of Article 1 of the Rhode Island Constitution, which is the section that outlines the fundamental rights of Rhode Island residents. This would place environmental protections on the same constitutional level as other basic rights, such as freedom of speech or the right to a fair trial. Supporters of similar amendments in other states have argued this gives residents stronger legal standing to challenge government actions or policies they believe harm the environment.

This bill would affect all Rhode Island residents by potentially giving them a constitutional tool to hold the government accountable for protecting environmental quality. It could also affect businesses, industries, and government agencies whose activities impact air, water, soil, or climate, since their actions could be subject to legal challenges based on this new constitutional right. The practical impact would ultimately depend on how courts interpret and apply the amendment.

The bill has been introduced and referred to the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee, meaning it is in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been voted on.