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HJ 14

RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE STATE CONSTITUTION CONCERNING AN INDIVIDUAL RIGHT TO CLEAN AND HEALTHY AIR, WATER, SOIL, ECOSYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENT AND A SAFE AND STABLE CLIMATE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Doucette and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut would establish a constitutional right to clean air, water, soil, and stable climate, enabling residents to sue over environmental harms and potentially reshaping pollution regulations.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment
#environmentaljustice #stateconstitutionalamendments
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Bill Summary · HJ 14

Legislative bill overview

HJ 14 is a constitutional amendment resolution that would establish a new fundamental right for Connecticut residents to clean and healthy air, water, soil, ecosystems, and a stable climate. The amendment would need to pass the legislature twice in consecutive sessions and then be approved by voters in a referendum before taking effect.

Why is this important

Constitutional environmental rights are enforceable legal guarantees that supersede ordinary laws and can be used in court to challenge government actions and corporate practices. This amendment would give citizens a powerful tool to litigate against pollution, environmental degradation, and climate-related harms, potentially reshaping how Connecticut regulates industry and development.

Potential points of contention

  • Business and economic impact: Industries may argue the broad "right to clean environment" language creates unlimited liability exposure and could trigger expensive litigation that stifles economic activity and job creation
  • Judicial overreach concerns: Critics may contend that defining environmental standards through litigation rather than democratic legislative processes places too much power in courts to make policy decisions
  • Definition ambiguity: The terms "healthy," "safe," and "stable climate" are subjective and undefined, potentially leading to conflicting court interpretations and years of legal uncertainty about what the amendment actually requires
  • Implementation costs: Achieving these environmental standards could require significant public and private investment, raising questions about who bears the financial burden

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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