RONI

By Jerome Tuaño A group of environmentalists is working to enact “Rights of Nature” laws for Washington rivers across the state. Olympia-based Rights of Nature Initiative (RONI) Coalition is pushing for an ordinance that recognizes the rights of the Deschutes River. RONI is in its early stages and started its outreach last week when it pitched its vision to the Local Good Governance Coalition.  They also held a webinar this week and talked to interested residents about the concept of the rights of nature. During the webinar, Thomas Linzey, a legal counsel from a partner organization working with RONI Coalition, said that rights for the natural environmentRead More →

by Clifford Heberden, July 7, 2023, Salish Current Tired of constantly battling to protect nature, Abi Ludwig, cofounder of the Olympia group Rights of Nature Initiative (RONI) said they’re “going on the offense.” “We’re at that point where nature has to fight back and we’re ready to take that on from the community level,” said Rachel Kurtz, president and cofounder of RONI. Kurtz and Ludwig are part of a growing movement to establish rights for nature to exist and thrive. The idea has picked up support around the state where local governments including Jefferson County, San Juan County and the cities of Burien, Port Townsend and Gig Harbor have issuedRead More →