Florida Voters Could Get the Chance to Vote on a Right to Clean Water Amendment

by Rachel KurtzUS NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

Florida voters could have the chance to vote on a right to clean water amendment in the 2024 election. The Florida Rights of Nature Network (the main inspiration for the Rights of Nature Initiative) is collecting signatures to get the amendment on the ballot. The amendment would create a fundamental right to clean water for all state residents and allow individuals, businesses, and other organizations to take legal action against any state agency that fails to protect water resources.

Using ‘rights of nature’ to correct environmental wrongs

by Abi LudwigRONI in the News, US News, Washington NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

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.

Empowering Nature's Voice

Environmental group pushing for ‘Rights of Nature’ law for Deschutes River

by Abi LudwigRONI in the News, US News, Washington NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

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.

Nature Lawyers Up: A growing number of countries and courts say the environment should be endowed with legal rights.

by Rachel KurtzGlobal News, US NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

In a groundbreaking shift in environmental law, the concept of granting legal rights to nature is gaining traction. A recent New York Times article delves into this transformative movement, exploring its implications and the growing number of cases where natural entities are being recognized as legal persons. This legal renaissance is not just a theoretical exercise; it has practical consequences. By recognizing the rights of rivers, forests, and ecosystems, we are witnessing a fundamental change in how nature is protected and preserved. The movement is rooted in the belief that nature has intrinsic value and should have a voice in our legal system.

Cincinnati group files petition to give Ohio River rights

by aludwigUS NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

The Ohio River Bill of Rights petition was submitted to shift the legal view from nature as property, to one that acknowledges the rights of the river’s ecosystem, giving the watershed a right to thrive and exist on its own. httpss://www.alleghenyfront.org/a-cincinnati-group-thinks-the-ohio-river-should-have-rights-of-nature/

Lake Erie granted Rights

by aludwigUS NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

In 2019 the citizens of Toledo Ohio passed a resolution establishing a bill of rights for the Great Lake and granting it legal standing in suing polluters. httpss://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/toledo-ohio-just-granted-lake-erie-same-legal-rights-people-180971603/