Oregon Coalition for an
Environmental Rights Amendment
The People's Right to a Healthy Environment
Clean air to breathe. Clean water to drink.
An accountable government loyal to the people.
We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to ensure a transparent, loyal and accountable government that protects Oregonians from environmental harms and ensures future generations have what they need to thrive.
We stand for ALL Oregonians, regardless of political power or divisions, and we will fight for your rights to live, work, and play in a healthy environment.
OCERA's Seal of Stewardship indicating an educational (not legislative) activity.
The Amendment
(Note: This language may change a bit in the near future, but the scope of effects will be the same. Please contact us with any questions!)
(Preamble)
Whereas a healthy environment sustains life and does no harm to the people;
Whereas past government actions and inaction have degraded, diminished and depleted Oregon’s natural resources, leading to such environmental harms as polluted air and water, extreme heat and wildfires, reduced streamflows, droughts, and the decline or loss of important native species and ecosystems;
Whereas environmental harms have caused loss of health, safety and other foundations of life and liberty;
Whereas the State should prevent and remedy environmental harms and protect natural resources against substantial impairment; now, therefore,
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All people, including children and future generations, have the right to a healthy environment. This right is inherent, inalienable and fundamental and shall not be abridged.
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The State holds Oregon’s natural resources in public trust. As trustee, the State shall carry out its fiduciary duties to benefit the health and safety of all people, including generations yet to come.
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Any person may enforce the rights and duties guaranteed under this Section against the State. Courts shall recognize successful enforcement as an important substantial benefit for all people.
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This Section is effective without legislative implementation or exhausting other remedies.
Restore Balance
Why Do We Need This?
1) To protect Oregon's natural resources from federal attacks.
No matter what any administration does to roll back protections or incentivize the pollution or destruction of Oregon's natural resources, a clear, constitutional standard will be a powerful legal force of protection, especially for our old growth forests, waterways, and groundwater. It also helps our state stay on track toward a sustainable future.
2) To draw the line in the sand to protect public health & safety.
You might think that "Oregon is so beautiful! Don't we have enough environmental protections? Why should we mess with the state constitution if we don't need to?" That's what most of us thought, too, until we learned about the truth of things.
(Note: The views and opinions expressed in these linked articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of OCERA.)
Did you know that, according to the 2025 US News & World Report:
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Oregon is DEAD LAST (#50 out of 50 states) in the nation for "pollution health risks"?
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Oregon is #46 out of 50 states for "pollution"?
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Oregon is #44 out of 50 states for "the natural environment"?
(Note: "Pollution from agriculture, transportation and small facilities...is not included.")
Did you know, that according to OPB's coverage:
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"Oregon's nitrate ground pollution became notably WORSE in the past 10 years, report finds" (2025)
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"Groundwater pollution puts drinking water at risk in Eastern Oregon counties" (2022)
Did you know that, according to Oregon Capital Chronicle's coverage:
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"Amid drought, Oregon's new water 'strategy' is light on strategy; As wells run dry, the state says it needs more time and money to crunch numbers." (2024)
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"Oregon has the most polluted or 'impaired' waterways nationwide, new analysis says" (2022)
WE CAN and SHOULD DO BETTER.
Especially for our kids and grandkids.
How You Can Help
Whether you'd like to join a leadership team to help shape this movement, or you only have time to receive occasional email updates about upcoming events and opportunities, the MOST IMPORTANT THING to do is CONNECT!
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2 - Check out just how you can support from wherever you are:
