Last updated/Reviewed on August 25, 2025
OVERVIEW
The Green Amendment would enshrine every individual’s right to clean air, pure water, healthy ecosystems, and a stable climate. Advocates are working to pass Senate Bill SCR 43 and Assembly Bill ACR 119 in the state legislature. If approved, the amendment would go to New Jersey voters for a final decision (on the ballot of a future general election). This amendment would elevate environmental rights to the same level as other fundamental human rights, such as freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. The Pinelands Alliance has been building momentum to move these bills forward in the NJ Legislature, so together we can turn that energy into lasting protections for our air, water, and communities.
Those who are against empowering New Jerseyans with these fundamental rights have claimed that the Green Amendment will lead to frivolous lawsuits, that there will be “unintended consequences”, and that the amendment seeks to “go around the legislature.”
- Protections against frivolous lawsuits already exist, but unnecessary language has already been added to the Senate version addressing frivolous lawsuits of the bill to appease those that seek to stop this amendment for their short-term profits.
- Unintended consequences? Excuse me while I laugh. Let’s talk for a second about the unintended consequences of legalized (regulated) pollution, unrestrained fossil fuel use, and thoughtless development. Our planet is on the brink and New Jersey is on the front lines.
Current status
New Jersey’s Green Amendment was originally introduced in the assembly in the 2016 – 2017 session. It is a proposed amendment to Article I of the New Jersey Constitution, which must first be approved by the legislature. The resolutions in both the state senate and assembly are currently stalled in committees.
States that have already adopted a Green Amendment into their Constitution:
- Pennsylvania
- Montana
- New York
See the full list of other states that are actively considering a Green Amendment.
PPA has been hosting town hall events, urging counties and towns to adopt supportive resolutions, and raising general awareness of the amendment. Several towns, counties, and other organizations have already adopted supportive resolutions.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
We need to build public pressure in order for the Green Amendment to progress in the NJ legislature. We are asking for counties, towns, and organizations to adopt resolutions in support of New Jersey’s Green Amendment.
Want to see your town on the growing list of municipalities who have resolved to support New Jersey’s Green Amendment? Show up at your next town council or county commissioners meeting to let them know!
To learn more or to get involved, visit For The Generations – New Jersey – A Movement to Pass Green Amendments Across the Nation
MORE INFORMATION
Pinelands Preservation Alliance Support of the Green Amendment
The Green Amendment supports our mission: giving everyone access to recreation, clean air and water, and the natural beauty the environment provides. The Pinelands Preservation Alliance supports a clean and healthy environment, accessible to all regardless of race, gender, disability, or social class.
PPA has been hosting town halls where residents can learn about the Green Amendment, ask questions, and share their views. These conversations give people the opportunity to better understand why this natural right should be enshrined in our constitution for lasting protection. The events are open to everyone—and inviting your town council members can help spread awareness and build support. Recent town halls were held at:
6/04/2025 – Cape May County
4/28/2025 – Pineland Preservation Alliance
7/30/2025 – Camden County
Stay tuned for town halls coming to a town near you!
NJ Municipalities, counties, and organizations that have adopted supportive resolutions:
- Aberdeen Township
- Bordentown Township
- Borough of Cape May Point
- Borough of Fair Lawn
- Borough of Metuchen
- Borough Bradley Beach Resolution
- Burlington County
- Camden County
- Cherry Hill Township
- Franklin Township (Somerset County)
- Franklin Township (Hunterdon County)
- Municipality of Princeton
- Somerset County
- Village of Ridgewood
- Sierra Club – New Jersey Chapter
- Essex County Board of Freeholders
- Medical Society of New Jersey
- Haddon Grange #38
NJ Municipalities, counties, and organizations that are currently making progress:
- Camden County Board Member Commissioner Nash submitted a Resolution in support of the Amendment that is on the agenda for 8/21
- Cherry Hill Township: the Green Amendment is on the 8/19 Town Council Meeting agenda.
The Amendment’s Journey Through the NJ Legislature
2017–2018: Initial Introduction
- 2017: Assemblyman Tim Eustace, alongside Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin and others, introduced the Green Amendment to recognize the right to a clean and healthy environment in New Jersey’s constitution.
- 2018: The Senate Environment Committee approved SCR134, marking the first significant legislative movement on the amendment.
2020: Reintroduction and Momentum
- 2020: The amendment was reintroduced as SCR30 and ACR80, with broad bipartisan sponsorship. By October 2020, the amendment had 43 sponsors in the Assembly and 12 in the Senate.
2024: Legislative Action
- February 12, 2024: ACR119 was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee.
- March 14, 2024: SCR43 was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Budget and Appropriations Committee.
2025: Municipal Support and Advocacy
- July 21, 2025: Bordentown Township unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the Green Amendment.
- August 19, 2025: Cherry Hill Township unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the Green Amendment.
- August 21, 2025: Camden County’s Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the Green Amendment.
The most current text of New Jersey’s Green Amendment is SCR-43 (Senate bill) and ACR-119 (Assembly bill). Learn more about the Green Amendment movement and why it is, now, more important than ever at forthegenerations.org.