Floridians Rights to Clean Water
Waterkeepers Florida supports the Florida 5 Initiative to get constitutional amendments added to the ballot for the 2022 election, especially the Right to Clean Water and Wetlands Protection. The right to clean water is a legal concept recognizing the inherent right of humans to clean, safe water in healthy ecosystems.
The movement is gaining momentum across the world. In fact, it’s included within the Ecuadorian Constitution. Many U.S. states have proposed constitutional amendments in process now for Rights of Clean Water. Just last year, Orange County, Florida citizens voted overwhelmingly with 89% bipartisan support to recognize similar rights for waterways within that jurisdiction.
Just as with existing provisions in Montana and Pennsylvania, and on the ballot this year in New York, the Florida Right to Clean Water will be in Article I along with other fundamental human rights such as freedom of speech. Getting the amendment on the state ballot allows Florida voters to decide the outcome. Â Here is link to download the petitions. Â Petitions must be signed and dated by November 30, 2021.
By Georgia Ackerman, Riverkeeper and Executive Director at Apalachicola Riverkeeper.