HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 3

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2026

INTRODUCED BY

Joanne J. Ferrary

 

 

 

 

 

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO BY ADDING A NEW SECTION OF ARTICLE 2 TO PROVIDE THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO CLEAN AND HEALTHY AIR, WATER, SOIL AND ENVIRONMENTS; HEALTHY FLORA, FAUNA AND HABITATS; A STABLE CLIMATE AND THRIVING ECOSYSTEMS; AND THE PRESERVATION OF THE NATURAL, CULTURAL AND HEALTHFUL QUALITIES OF THE ENVIRONMENT, AND DIRECTS THE STATE, COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES TO SERVE AS TRUSTEES OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES OF NEW MEXICO FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL PEOPLE.

 

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. It is proposed to amend Article 2 of the constitution of New Mexico by adding a new section to read:

          "A. The people of the state shall have a right to clean and healthy air, water, soil and environments; healthy flora, fauna and habitats; a stable climate and thriving ecosystems; and the preservation of the natural, cultural and healthful qualities of the environment. The state, counties and municipalities shall protect these rights equitably for all people, including future generations, and regardless of race, ethnicity, tribal affiliation, gender, socioeconomics or geography. Securing a more stable climate, including for future generations, is a compelling state interest and shall be a high priority.

          B. The state, counties and municipalities shall serve as trustees of the natural resources of New Mexico and shall conserve, protect and maintain these resources for the benefit of all the people, including present and future generations, who are the beneficiaries.

          C. The provisions of this section are self-executing. Monetary damages shall not be awarded for a violation of this section. This section is enforceable against the state, counties and municipalities."

     SECTION 2. The amendment proposed by this resolution shall be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election or at any special election prior to that date that may be called for that purpose.

- 2 -