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HJ 22

RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ESTABLISH AN ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Gauthier and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut proposes constitutional amendment establishing enforceable environmental rights, potentially strengthening legal protections for clean air, water, and natural resources statewide.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment
#environmentaljustice #stateconstitutionalamendments
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJ 22

Legislative bill overview

HJ 22 proposes a constitutional amendment that would establish explicit environmental rights protections in Connecticut's state constitution. The resolution, if approved by the legislature and voters, would constitutionally recognize the right to a healthy environment. This represents an effort to elevate environmental protection from statutory law to the highest level of legal protection.

Why is this important

Constitutional environmental rights create enforceable legal standing that can be harder for future legislatures to weaken or eliminate compared to statutory protections. Such amendments have been adopted in other states and nations, and can enable citizens and environmental groups to challenge government actions or inactions on environmental grounds. This could significantly impact how Connecticut approaches climate policy, pollution regulation, and natural resource management.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope: The exact language defining what constitutes environmental rights and a "healthy environment" remains unclear and could create litigation over enforcement and limitations
  • Judicial activism concerns: Critics worry broad environmental rights amendments may give courts power to override legislative and executive decisions, raising separation-of-powers questions
  • Economic impact: Business groups may oppose this as potentially increasing regulatory burdens, compliance costs, and litigation exposure for industries operating in the state

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

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