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A beautiful sunset over the Bandolier National Monument shows purples, pinks, and golds in the sky, brushing the foreground of chaparral scrub and rocky outcropping in soft warm light. Text on the image reads, "Protect New Mexico's Future. Pass the New Mexico Green Amendment."

The New Mexico Green Amendment: Protect Wildlife and People Now

Tomorrow marks a pivotal moment for New Mexico’s future. The state legislature will hold its first hearing on the proposed Green Amendment, a powerful measure that would enshrine the right to a clean and healthy environment in the state’s constitution. Wildlife for All strongly supports this amendment because protecting our air, water, land, and wildlife isn’t just about conservation—it’s about justice, public health, and ensuring a livable future for all.

What Is the New Mexico Green Amendment?

The New Mexico Green Amendment would establish constitutional protections for environmental rights, placing them on par with other fundamental rights like free speech and equal protection. This means that state and local governments would be legally required to protect New Mexico’s natural resources for present and future generations. Unlike existing environmental laws, which regulate pollution but still allow significant environmental harm, a Green Amendment shifts the legal focus to preventing harm before it happens.  It also provides legal standing for individuals and communities to challenge policies and actions that threaten their environment.

Right now, wildlife and ecosystems across New Mexico face mounting threats—from habitat destruction and pollution to climate change and unsustainable land use practices. Too often, short-term economic interests take priority over long-term ecological sustainability, and decisions that harm the environment go unchecked. Weak environmental protections also disproportionately impact communities of color, leading to health problems caused by pollution and environmental degradation and furthering systemic injustices.

A Green Amendment would shift this balance, ensuring that environmental health is a fundamental right rather than an afterthought. It would help prevent harm instead of merely managing or mitigating damage after the fact. For wildlife advocates, this is a crucial step forward in reforming outdated policies that exploit wildlife as mere resources rather than recognizing them as vital members of our ecosystems.

New Mexico has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Pennsylvania and Montana, states that have already enshrined Green Amendments in their constitutions. These amendments have been used successfully to challenge environmentally harmful decisions, proving that constitutional protections work. For example, in Pennsylvania, the Green Amendment has been instrumental in court cases that held the government accountable for failing to uphold environmental protections. New Mexico can be a leader in this growing movement to ensure strong, enforceable environmental rights.

The Green Amendment isn’t just about legal protections—it’s about giving people a voice. For too long, communities suffering from pollution and environmental degradation have had little recourse against industries and decision-makers who prioritize profits over public health. This amendment empowers everyday New Mexicans to demand accountability and action, making sure that decisions about the environment serve the public good rather than special interests.

New Mexico Can Lead the Way

New Mexico has the opportunity to set a national example by passing a Green Amendment. Across the country, states are beginning to recognize that constitutional protections are necessary to safeguard the environment against political whims and corporate exploitation. If New Mexico succeeds, it will pave the way for other states to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that strengthens environmental protections nationwide.

Tomorrow’s hearing is just the beginning, and the Green Amendment will face opposition from industries and policymakers who benefit from weak environmental laws. Opponents of Green Amendments often claim that stronger environmental protections will stifle economic growth, but the evidence tells a different story. States with robust environmental protections have seen that healthy ecosystems support strong economies, from outdoor recreation and tourism to sustainable agriculture. 

Moreover, a cleaner environment leads to healthier communities, reducing healthcare costs and improving quality of life for residents. This amendment isn’t just about protecting nature—it’s about ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all New Mexicans.

We need to show up, speak out, and make it clear that New Mexicans—and all who care about wildlife and wild places—support this amendment. 

Help Pass the New Mexico Green Amendment:

  • Attend the hearing if you’re in New Mexico and can be there in person.
  • Submit a public comment expressing your support for constitutional environmental protections.
  • Spread the word on social media and in your community.

Hearing Details

The 2025 New Mexico Green Amendment (HJR3) has its first hearing at 8:30 a.m. on January 31. It’s the fifth item on the agenda in before the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee. We need public support—join in person at the Roundhouse or via Zoom! 

Committee Agenda

8:30AM, Friday, January 31, Room 305
New Mexico State Capitol Building (the Roundhouse)
490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89282948977

How to Prepare:

  • It is not clear how long the public will have to provide comments so we are recommending folks prepare no more than 1 minute of comment.
  • Folks should be prepared to use the Raised Hand feature on zoom. It is possible the Committee will ask folks to raise their hands if they are in support or opposed to the Green Amendment. RAISE THOSE HANDS if needed.

New Mexico’s wildlife, ecosystems, and future generations depend on bold action today. Let’s make history together.