Wisconsin Democrats Re-Introduce Green Amendment

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – Wisconsin Democrats are again introducing a Green Amendment to the state constitution. 

We’ve had constitutional amendments on the ballot often over our last few elections. The most recent was in April, when Republicans had voters decide whether the state’s voter ID law should be part of the constitution. It overwhelmingly passed. That will make it tougher to overturn in the future. 

Wisconsin Democrats want to add The Green Amendment. They’ve tried to add it to the ballot before, but that’s been unsuccessful. Lawmakers and advocates announced Wednesday they’re trying again. 

The Green Amendment would state that everyone, including future generations, have a right to a clean environment. That includes pure water, clean air, healthy soil, and stable ecosystems. 

State Sen. Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) said our state constitution protects the right to hunt, fish and trap game, and this would help protect those resources. 

“It empowers citizens and lawmakers alike to defend our natural resources, ensuring that the health of our environment and the health of our people are central considerations in government actions,” he said at the press conference Wednesday. “This is not a partisan issue. It’s a Wisconsin issue, protecting the lakes we fish, in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the lands that support our communities and economy benefits us all.”

Three states have Green Amendments in their constitutions. The measure has been proposed in at least a dozen others across the country.