Oregon Coalition for an
Environmental Rights Amendment
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The People's Right to a Healthy Environment
This constitutional amendment ensures our government prioritizes the health & safety of Oregonians over the harmful profit of politically powerful interests, and that it makes decisions with a long-term view and the best evidence, for our children and future generations.
OCERA's Seal of Stewardship indicating an educational (not legislative) activity.
The Amendment
(Note: This language may change a bit in the near future, but the scope of effects will be the same. Please contact us with any questions!)
(Preamble)
Whereas a clean and healthy environment is necessary for life, liberty and other rights fundamental to a free and ordered society;
Whereas governmental actions and inaction have allowed or worsened environmental harms such as polluted air, soils and water; extreme heat, drought and wildfire; and the decline of important native species, habitats and ecosystems;
Whereas this Section ensures just and equitable protection for all people; now, therefore,
(1) All people, including children and future generations, have the right to a clean and healthy environment. This right is inherent, inalienable and fundamental.
(2) The State holds Oregon's natural resources in trust and, as trustee, shall carry out its fiduciary obligations to protect such resources for the benefit of all people, including generations yet to come. Natural resources include, but are not limited to, surface water, groundwater, air, atmosphere, fish and wildlife.
(3) Any person may enforce the rights and duties guaranteed under this Section against the State. Courts shall liberally construe this Section, which is self-executing, and shall recognize successful enforcement as an important and substantial benefit for all people.
Restore Balance
and
the Public Trust
Why Do We Need This?
1) To protect Oregon's natural resources from federal attacks.
No matter what any administration does to roll back protections or incentivize the pollution or destruction of Oregon's natural resources, a clear, constitutional standard will be a powerful legal force of protection, especially for our old growth forests, waterways, and groundwater. It also helps our state stay on track toward a sustainable future.
2) To draw the line in the sand to protect public health & safety.
You might think that "Oregon is so beautiful! Don't we have enough environmental protections? Why should we mess with the state constitution if we don't need to?" That's what most of us thought, too, until we learned about the truth of things.
(Note: The views and opinions expressed in these linked articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of OCERA.)
Did you know that, according to the 2025 US News & World Report:
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Oregon is DEAD LAST (#50 out of 50 states) in the nation for "pollution health risks"?
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Oregon is #46 out of 50 states for "pollution"?
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Oregon is #44 out of 50 states for "the natural environment"?
(Note: "Pollution from agriculture, transportation and small facilities...is not included.")
Did you know, that according to OPB's coverage:
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"Oregon's nitrate ground pollution became notably WORSE in the past 10 years, report finds" (2025)
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"Groundwater pollution puts drinking water at risk in Eastern Oregon counties" (2022)
Did you know that, according to Oregon Capital Chronicle's coverage:
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"Amid drought, Oregon's new water 'strategy' is light on strategy; As wells run dry, the state says it needs more time and money to crunch numbers." (2024)
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"Oregon has the most polluted or 'impaired' waterways nationwide, new analysis says" (2022)
WE CAN and SHOULD DO BETTER.
Especially for our kids and grandkids.
How You Can Help
The MOST IMPORTANT THING to do is CONNECT!
* Subscribe (join our mailing list below) for monthly updates
* Join as an individual or organizational member to receive information and updates on progress and volunteer opportunities
* Donate to power the cause
* Endorse to publicly support the cause
(Note: The endorsement is "501c3-friendly" as it is not about the actual ballot initiative.)
