What’s happening in Washington?
Istock Photo credit chinaface
Activists, a growing group of Washington State organizations and Green Amendments For The Generations have been working to spread the word about the values of having a Washington Green Amendment. Currently efforts are focused on building a grassroots coalition of advocates and leaders seeking to secure this highest level of constitutional protection for environmental rights and environmental justice in the state of Washington.
Commitment and leadership for a Washington Green Amendment is strong. David Kipnis well represents that dedication in this podcast interview.
A 2025 statewide tour to talk about the values of a Green Amendment was well received and well attended. The opening event was energizing and spoke to the democracy and environmental values of the Washington Green Amendment movement. The tour worked hard to reach and engage with every part of Washington culture, including ranchers and farmers who were skeptical but after open and encouraging conversation were open to the values of a Green Amendment for their work and communities.
The Washington Green Amendment activists are working towards would read:
Article I of the Constitution of the state of Washington shall be amended by adding a new section to read:
(a) The people of the state, including future generations, have the right to a clean and healthy environment, including pure water, clean air, healthy ecosystems, and a stable climate, and to the preservation of the natural, cultural, scenic, and healthful qualities of the environment.
(b) The state, including each political subdivision of the state, shall serve as trustee of the natural resources of the state, among them its waters, air, flora, fauna, soils, and climate. The state, including each political subdivision of the state, shall conserve, protect, and maintain these resources for the benefit of all the people, including generations yet to come.
(c) The rights stated in this section are inherent, inalienable, and indefeasible, are among those rights reserved to all the people, and are on par with other protected inalienable rights. The state, including each political subdivision of the state, shall equitably protect these rights for all people regardless of their race, ethnicity, tribal membership status, gender, geography, or wealth, and shall act with prudence, loyalty, and impartiality in fulfilling its trustee obligations. The provisions of this section are self-executing.
Not sure what the Green Amendment will do or what to think about it, view Fact Sheets, FAQs, Webinars, Education Guides and more on our resources page.
