Press Conference on Amending NY’s Constitution to Protect Clean Air, Water

Residents from communities which have been harmed by contaminated water and polluted air joined advocates and legislators today with a message: before leaving Albany for the year on June 21, the state Senate must pass New York’s Environmental Bill of Rights. The constitutional amendment, championed by Assemblyman Steven Englebright (D-East Setauket) and Senator David Carlucci (D-New City), would guarantee every New Yorkers’ “right to clean air and water and a healthful environment.” It was born out of the advocacy of communities like Hoosick Falls, on Long Island, and Newburgh, where residents want to ensure that other communities have the tools necessary to fight for basic rights when crisis occurs.

The amendment (A.6279/S.5287) passed the state Assembly with overwhelming and bipartisan support. When passed by the state Senate this session, it must then pass a 2^nd, consecutive session of the Legislature (2019), after which it will be on the ballot for voter approval that fall.