Advocates Push for Constitutional Power to Fight Climate Change

It's called Constitutional Change For a Livable Future: The Green Amendment Tour and it makes a stop in Yakima on Wednesday.

SIX STOPS WITH ONE IN YAKIMA WEDNESDAY

The tour is visiting six cities in the state to hold what tour officials call statewide education town halls to convince people the state needs constitutional protection for environmental rights secured in the state constitution. The tour stops at the Yakima Valley Museum from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday and it's free to attend.

Get our free mobile app

WILDFIRES AND POLLUTION BLAMED ON CHANGES

Maya K. Van Rossum spoke to KIT News on Tuesday saying the state is facing water shortages, wildfires and pollution that she says "disproportionately impacts low-income Americans. She says the state doesn't need better laws but rather "constitutional power" to protect the environment. David Kipnis, a lead organizer of the tour also told KIT News currently polluters in the state have more power than people. He says the amendment changes that.

HOPING FOR ENFORCEABLE RIGHTS

According to officials with the Washington Green Amendment Coalition the Green Amendment would add enforceable environmental rights to the state constitution. Kipnis says the amendment would make it clear that "every Washingtonian has the inalienable right to clear air, clean water, a stable climate and a healthy environment."
Are you a local grower or involved in local agriculture? Do you agree or disagree with the statements made by tour officials? You're invited to the meeting at the Yakima Valley Museum from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday.