New Mexico Green Amendment: Historic Vote Brings State Closer to Constitutional Environmental Rights
In a decisive and highly anticipated move, New Mexico's Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee voted 6-3c in favor of the Green Amendment, also known as HJR3—a constitutional amendment that could change the landscape of environmental policy in the state for generations to come. This victory represents the culmination of years of advocacy, battles fought in boardrooms and legislative halls, and an unwavering coalition of activists, lawmakers, and everyday New Mexicans demanding a future where the health of the planet isn't just an afterthought but a protected right.
A Right to Clean Air, Water, and Soil?
The Green Amendment would enshrine the right to “clean and healthy air, water, soil, and environments” in the New Mexico state constitution’s Bill of Rights. This isn’t just another environmental policy proposal—this is about a foundational shift in how we approach the balance between economic development and ecological responsibility.
“If we want to preserve New Mexico’s stunning landscapes and protect our communities from the growing environmental threats of climate change, pollution, and corporate negligence, the Green Amendment is our best shot,” says Representative Joanne Ferrary, who has championed the bill for years.
This legislation would place a constitutional responsibility on the state to not only protect but also prioritize environmental well-being when making decisions that affect land, air, and water. In other words, future projects—whether it's drilling for oil, building highways, or developing new developments—would have to factor in environmental impact from the start, not after communities have already borne the brunt of the damage.
The Unseen Cost of Development
In a state deeply intertwined with the oil and gas industry, the stakes couldn’t be higher. While energy development has fueled New Mexico's economy for decades, the social and environmental toll has left a trail of environmental destruction and health issues for marginalized communities. For many, this isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a matter of survival.
“The Green Amendment is a transformative opportunity for New Mexico,” says Senator Harold Pope Jr. “It’s about ensuring that development doesn’t come at the expense of people’s health, their communities, or our precious natural resources.”
One of the most pressing issues addressed by the amendment is environmental justice. Historically, New Mexico's lower-income and Indigenous communities have borne the brunt of the state's extractive industries. Hazardous waste, polluted air, and poisoned water have disproportionately impacted these communities, a reality that Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero believes needs to change.
“Communities that have been ground zero for polluting industries are the same communities that face increased rates of asthma, cancer, and other health issues,” she explains. “We can’t keep putting profit before the health and safety of our people.”
Resistance Meets Resilience
But of course, no victory comes without its opposition. The room in the Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee hearing today was split—on one side, the chorus of environmental advocates and community leaders, on the other, a sea of lobbyists representing industries that see the Green Amendment as a threat to their bottom line.
“We saw in the hearing room today the outpouring of public support for the Green Amendment,” says Maya K. van Rossum, the founder of the Green Amendment movement. “But we also saw the opposition, backed by big-money lobbyists, pushing back with everything they’ve got. If we can make it through this session, New Mexicans will have the chance to vote on this in November.”
It’s the fifth year in a row that van Rossum and others have fought for this bill to make it to the floor, but with every passing year, the momentum has only grown stronger. There’s an undeniable shift happening, especially as the looming threat of federal environmental rollbacks has made local action more critical than ever.
Looking Ahead: A Crucial Test for Democracy
The Green Amendment isn't just about protecting the environment—it’s also about ensuring that future generations inherit a state that’s not been ravaged by shortsighted economic policies. As climate change accelerates and the planet faces unprecedented environmental degradation, New Mexico’s Green Amendment could set a precedent for other states across the nation.
“I truly believe this is a moment in history,” says New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands, Stephanie Garcia Richard. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for lawmakers to make a bold and lasting impact on our state’s environmental health. If we pass this amendment, it will signal that we’re serious about protecting our land, air, and water—not just for us, but for all the generations that come after.”
But the real test, as always, will come when the Green Amendment is put in front of voters. That’s where the rubber meets the road.
Why It Matters for New Mexico—and Beyond
This is a battle that stretches far beyond the borders of New Mexico. In a time when environmental protections are increasingly under threat from the federal government, the Green Amendment serves as a crucial safeguard for communities that are on the front lines of climate change, pollution, and environmental injustice. Whether it's the devastating impacts of oil and gas extraction, the growing intensity of wildfires, or the increasing frequency of flash floods, the stakes have never been higher.
“We have to think long-term,” says Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez. “We can’t just focus on the here and now. If we want a sustainable future, we need to make sure that every New Mexican has the constitutional right to a healthy environment.”
If the Green Amendment clears the final legislative hurdles this session, it will go to the people for a vote in November—a historic chance for New Mexicans to enshrine environmental rights into their state constitution. If it passes, it won’t just be a win for New Mexico—it will be a victory for the planet, and for the generations that will inherit it.
Stay updated on the progress of the Green Amendment and get involved by visiting nmgreenamendment.org.