REFERENCE TITLE: environment; constitutional amendment

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-seventh Legislature

Second Regular Session

2026

SCR 1017

Introduced by

Senators Kuby: Alston, Epstein, Gabaldón, Hatathlie, Miranda, Ortiz, Sundareshan;  Representatives Garcia, Gutierrez, Márquez, Sandoval, Stahl Hamilton

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Arizona; amending article ii, CONSTITUTION of Arizona, by adding section 38; relating to the environment.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:

1. Article II, Constitution of Arizona, is proposed to be amended by adding section 38 as follows if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor:

38. Right to clean and healthy environment

Section 38. A. Each person has an inherent and inalienable right to a clean and healthy environment, including all of the following:

1. Clean water.

2. Clean air.

3. Healthy ecosystems.

4. A safe climate.

5. The preservation of the natural, cultural and healthful qualities of the environment.

B. The rights prescribed in subsection a of this section belong to both present and future generations.  This state and each political subdivision of this state shall protect and may not infringe on these rights.

C. This state's natural resources, including its waters, air, flora, fauna and climate, are the common property of all the people, including present and future generations. This state and each political subdivision of this state shall do all of the following:

1. Serve as trustees of the natural resources.

2. Conserve, protect and maintain the natural resources for the benefit of all the people.

3. Secure a safe and stable climate system for all people, INCLUDING future generations.

4. Make it a high priority to secure a safe climate system and provide clean, renewable and safe energy for all communities. This priority and any action commenced to further this priority is a compelling state interest.

D. This section and the rights and obligations prescribed in this section are self-executing.

2. The Secretary of State shall submit this proposition to the voters at the next general election as provided by article XXI, Constitution of Arizona.