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Environment
Beginning in the 1970s, several states added environmental rights amendments, also known as “Green Amendments,” to their constitutions. The wording of the amendments can be as broad as the right to a “clean and healthful environment,” or it can enumerate specific rights such as clean air, clean water, or aesthetic environmental values.
Some constitutions allow citizens to enforce environmental quality rights against the government and private parties. This is an active field of state constitutional litigation, especially as citizens sue state governments to force action against climate change.
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Montana’s Housing Crisis Fix Survives Constitutional Challenge
Homeowners favoring single-family residences sued to block legislation meant to increase housing supply and bring down home prices.
The Active Environmental Agendas of State Attorneys General
The U.S. Supreme Court this week paved the way for Democratic attorneys general to proceed with suits against fossil fuel companies under state law.
Idaho’s Constitution Promotes Freedom and Common Welfare
The state is still governed by its original constitution, drafted in 1889.
What's at Stake with Congestion Pricing in the Courtroom?
As New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announces she’s reviving the program, litigation over the plan is ongoing.
No State Actor, No Problem
Unlike the U.S. Constitution, state constitutions can impose obligations on private actors.
Fifty Unique, Ever-Changing State Constitutions
A new resource from the State Democracy Research Initiative makes the current text of all 50 state constitutions available and searchable on one site.
Scholarship Roundup: New Year Edition
The last few months brought a rich array of articles and books about state constitutions, courts, and governance.
A Constitution Unique to Montana and Uniquely Montanan
The state’s 1972 charter is populist, pro-conservation, and libertarian.