The resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of West Virginia, specifically adding a new section to Article III, which focuses on the Bill of Rights. This new section, designated as Section 23, asserts that all individuals have the right to a clean and healthy environment, encompassing clean air, pure water, and a stable climate. It emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural, scenic, recreational, and healthful qualities of the environment. Furthermore, the amendment mandates that the state is responsible for protecting these rights equitably for all citizens and serves as a trustee of West Virginia's public natural resources, ensuring their conservation and maintenance for the benefit of both current and future generations.
The resolution also outlines the process for the proposed amendment to be submitted to voters during the next general election in 2026. It is officially designated as "Amendment No. 1" and titled the "Natural Resources and the Public Estate Amendment." The summarized purpose of this amendment is to guarantee the people's right to a clean environment and to ensure the protection and maintenance of West Virginia's natural resources for generations to come.