Maya K. van Rossum, the founder of Green Amendments For The Generations, said the New Mexico Green Amendment will improve environmental protection in New Mexico by ensuring that all levels of government integrate "environmental rights" into their daily operations, addressing issues early and cost-effectively, and strengthening laws to protect communities. Rossum made her statement at the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee meeting on February 3, 2025.
“HJR-3 will enhance environmental protection in New Mexico by ensuring that every arm of government, state, municipal, and county, embraces environmental rights protection as part of their day-to-day work,” said Rossum at the committee meeting. “This creates the greatest opportunity to identify environmental concerns earlier in the process when the opportunities to remedy and avoid harmful environmental impacts are more accessible and tend to be more cost-effective.”
“HJR-3 will strengthen the development, interpretation, and application of existing environmental laws in the state,” said Rossum “ It will enable the government to address new and emerging contaminants and technologies while essential legal protections are being developed. It will strengthen the government's obligation and ability to address climate change."
The House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee reviewed HJR-3, the New Mexico Green Amendment, proposing adding constitutional rights to clean air, water, soil, and healthy ecosystems while assigning governments as trustees to protect these resources. Supporters emphasized climate change mitigation, while those opposing cited economic concerns and vague language. The committee voted 6-3 along party lines to approve the bill with “no recommendation,” sending it to the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Green Amendments For The Generations, founded by Rossum, is a nonprofit organization advocating for constitutional amendments to protect environmental rights. The organization aims to secure access to clean air, water, and healthy ecosystems, address environmental inequities, and support community efforts to preserve natural resources. Rossum is the author of The Green Amendment: The People’s Fight for a Clean, Safe, and Healthy Environment.
The New Mexico House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee, chaired by Representative D. Wonda Johnson (D) with Representative Charlotte Little (D) as Vice Chair, includes members from both parties. Formed in 2015, the committee addresses government operations, elections, and Indian affairs and is appointed by the Speaker of the House.
