Assemblyman Fred Thiele today announced that he helped pass legislation that would allow New Yorkers to vote to amend the New York State Constitution’s Bill of Rights to include a right to clean air and water and a healthful environment during the next general election (A.1368, Englebright).

A.1368 is a joint legislative resolution proposing an amendment to Article 1 of the state constitution, that: “Each person shall have a right to clean air and water and a healthful environment.” This measure builds off the historic protections that the Assembly championed and enacted, including the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

In order to amend the New York State Constitution, the proposal must be reviewed by the attorney general and passed by both houses of the Legislature in two different two-year legislative sessions. Upon a second passage, the proposed amendment will be placed before New Yorkers in a statewide voter referendum. Yesterday’s proposed amendment was first passed by the Legislature in 2019 and must now be approved by voters.

 “All New Yorkers deserve a healthful environment. Someone’s ZIP code or the color of their skin should never dictate whether or not they have access to clean air and water,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “Yet, disadvantaged communities right here in New York State are being exploited and suffering from severe pollution every day.”

Thiele added, “On eastern Long Island, our environment is our economy. Our key industries of farming, fishing, tourism, and second homes cannot thrive without resources like clean water and working to combat climate change. I look forward to continuing to pursue these goals on behalf of my district and all of New York State.”