CT HJ00037

Proposes adding Section 21 to Article First of Connecticut's Constitution establishing individual rights to clean and healthy air, water, soil, environment, stable climate, and self-sustaining ecosystems.

Prohibits the state from infringing upon these environmental rights and requires the state to protect them equitably regardless of race, ethnicity, tribal membership status, gender, socioeconomics, or geography.

Designates the state, municipalities, and political subdivisions as trustees of natural resources including waters, air, flora, fauna, soils, and climate, requiring them to conserve and maintain these resources for present and future generations.

Establishes these environmental rights as inherent, inalienable, and indefeasible, equivalent to other inalienable rights reserved to the people.

Schedules the proposed amendment for continuation to the next General Assembly session or presentation to voters at the November 5, 2024 general election, with a specific ballot designation asking whether the Constitution should be amended to provide environmental rights.