Generations Yet to Come: Celebrating Environmental Rights in Pennsylvania

If you are a Pennsylvanian, you are granted a unique right enshrined in our state Constitution: the right to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of our natural resources. This right is not just for us but for the generations that will follow. This is a privilege shared by only a handful of other states.

The Environmental Rights Amendment

Fifty years ago, the Environmental Rights Amendment, Article 1, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, was drafted and unanimously approved by the state legislature. This historic amendment, supported by both legislators and citizens, states:

“The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania’s public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”

This amendment ensures that our rights to a healthy environment are protected, and it serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to preserve these resources for future generations.

A Legacy of Environmental Stewardship

The passage of the Environmental Rights Amendment marked a significant shift in environmental policy. Franklin Kury, a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1967, introduced the legislation that led to the establishment of this crucial amendment. On May 18, 1971, three out of four Pennsylvanians voted to ratify the amendment, cementing it into the state’s constitution.

The amendment led to the creation of major statutes and regulations aimed at protecting Pennsylvania’s air, land, and water from degradation. These laws have had a lasting impact on the state’s environmental health and have set a standard for conservation efforts nationwide.

The Role of DCNR

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) plays a pivotal role as the trustee of Pennsylvania’s public natural resources. Established in 1995, DCNR’s mission is to advocate for the state’s parks, forests, rivers, trails, greenways, and community recreation and heritage conservation programs. The agency’s work is guided by the principles laid out in the Environmental Rights Amendment, ensuring that all decisions prioritize the conservation and maintenance of these resources for the benefit of all Pennsylvanians.

Continuing the Legacy

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Environmental Rights Amendment, it’s essential to reflect on our progress and the ongoing challenges we face. DCNR’s current initiatives focus on:

• Sustainable Management: Ensuring our parks and forests are protected and maintained for future generations.
• Climate Resilience: Addressing climate change to create a more resilient Pennsylvania.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting inclusivity so that public lands are welcoming and accessible to all.
• Conservation Education: Providing educational opportunities to enhance environmental literacy among Pennsylvania’s schoolchildren.

Celebrating 50 Years

Several events and activities are taking place to commemorate this milestone:

• WITF Documentary and Panel Discussion: On May 18, join DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, Franklin Kury, WITF, and the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation for a virtual documentary screening and panel discussion.
• Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art Exhibit: Visit the special exhibit celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Environmental Rights Amendment, open until mid-August in Dauphin County.
• Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation Year-Long Observation: Participate in monthly engagement activities throughout 2021, including art and writing submissions on environmental themes.

The Environmental Rights Amendment is a powerful testament to Pennsylvania’s commitment to protecting our natural heritage. As we celebrate this landmark piece of legislation, let us continue to honor its principles and work towards a sustainable future for generations yet to come.