Efforts to add legally enforceable rights for rivers are being advanced in at least five Florida counties.
This press release was published by the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) on September 11, 2019.
In the face of state and federal inaction amidst mounting ecological devastation, grassroots groups in Alachua, Orange, Lee, Brevard, and Osceola counties are advancing county-wide laws to recognize the legally enforceable rights of the Santa Fe River, Wekiva River, Econlockhatchee River, Caloosahatchee River, Indian River Lagoon and the Kissimmee River.
The laws are being proposed either through the citizens’ initiative process or through county charter review commissions. In addition to Rights of Nature, the laws also recognize rights of local residents to a healthy environment and clean water. Business entities and governments are prohibited from violating these rights. Efforts are aimed at giving Floridians the opportunity to vote on these measures in 2020.
(To read the rest of this press release at its original source please click HERE.)