HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION S
April 25, 2024, Introduced by Reps. Hood, Brixie, Conlin, Glanville, McKinney, Rheingans,
Morgan and Aiyash and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment,
Tourism and Outdoor Recreation.
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state
constitution of 1963, by adding section 29 of article I, to
recognize an inherent and inalienable right to a clean environment
and natural resources and to ensure that the state acts as a
trustee for the natural resources of this state.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
state of Michigan, That the following amendment to the state
constitution of 1963, to recognize an inherent and inalienable
right to a clean environment and natural resources and to ensure
that the state acts as a trustee for the natural resources of this
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state, is proposed, agreed to, and submitted to the people of the
state:
1 ARTICLE I
2 Sec. 29. (1) Every person has an inherent and inalienable
3 right to a clean and healthy environment, including clean water,
4 air, and soils; balanced ecosystems; a stable climate; and the
5 preservation of the natural, cultural, recreational, and healthful
6 qualities of the environment. This state, including each branch,
7 agency, and political subdivision, shall take no action that would
8 infringe on these rights and shall protect these rights equitably
9 for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomics, or
10 geography.
11 (2) This state's natural resources, including, but not limited
12 to, surface water, groundwater, wetlands, ecosystems, air, native
13 flora and fauna, soils, and climate, are the common property of all
14 the people, including both present and future generations. This
15 state, including each branch, agency, and political subdivision,
16 shall serve as trustee of these resources and conserve, protect,
17 and maintain these resources for the benefit of all the people.
18 (3) The inalienable rights and trustee responsibilities
19 recognized in this section may be directly invoked and enforced by
20 the people of this state.
21 Resolved further, That the foregoing amendment shall be
22 submitted to the people of the state at the next general election
23 in the manner provided by law.
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