U.S.

Rights of nature and related environmental legal developments from across the United States. This section highlights notable local and state efforts, court decisions, policy proposals, and emerging trends from around the country.

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A River Deserves More: The Push to Recognize the Roaring Fork’s Rights

An Aspen activist is asking a simple but radical question: what if the Roaring Fork River had legal rights of its own? As Colorado communities

Rights of Nature Laws Take Root in the West: Everett Leads the Way

In a groundbreaking move, Everett, Washington, has become the first city in the Western U.S. to recognize the legal rights of a river's watershed with

A Legal Voice for Nature: Everett’s Groundbreaking Initiative for the Snohomish River Watershed

In a bold move to protect the environment, the political action committee Standing for Washington has launched a signature-gathering campaign for a local rights of

Cape Cod Town Adopts Resolution Recognizing The Rights Of Nature

In a landmark decision, the town of Falmouth, Massachusetts has officially adopted a resolution that recognizes the rights of nature, marking a significant shift in

Protecting Herring, a Beloved Fish: The Mashpee Wampanoag Youth’s Quest

In the heart of Mashpee, a group of determined Wampanoag youths are championing a cause that is both a return to their ancestral stewardship and

Grand Traverse Band Could be First Michigan Tribe to Give Nature Legal Standing

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians is poised to become the first tribal nation in Michigan to formally recognize the legal rights

With States Banning Rights of Nature laws, Activists Need to Move Fast

In a striking turn of events, as the Great Salt Lake faces an ecological crisis, Utah has enacted a law that bans the recognition of

Indigenous principles inspire Rights of Nature movement to combat environmental threats

In a compelling blend of ancient wisdom and modern legal frameworks, the Rights of Nature movement is gaining traction, inspired by Indigenous principles. A recent

Florida Voters Could Get the Chance to Vote on a Right to Clean Water Amendment

Florida voters could have the chance to vote on a right to clean water amendment in the 2024 election. The Florida Rights of Nature Network

Using ‘rights of nature’ to correct environmental wrongs

Tired of constantly battling to protect nature, Abi Ludwig, cofounder of the Olympia group Rights of Nature Initiative (RONI) said they’re “going on the offense.”

Cincinnati group files petition to give Ohio River rights

Boulder Creek Colorado watershed is protected with rights

Lake Erie granted Rights