Groups seek constitutional right to clean air, water

ALBANY, N.Y. — Environmental and public policy groups in New York are calling for a state constitutional amendment that would guarantee residents a right to clean air and water.

Environmental Advocates of New York and EffectiveNY are promoting the proposed amendment with online video ads Thursday featuring children from Hoosick Falls, where water wells have been contaminated by an industrial chemical.

The groups say a constitutional amendment would give residents more power to hold state lawmakers and regulators accountable for ensuring a healthy environment.

Six states have environmental rights provisions in their constitutions.

A 1971 Environmental Rights Amendment to Pennsylvania’s constitution was the basis for a state Supreme Court ruling in 2013 that said municipalities have a right to zone against shale gas development.

Drilling in the underground shale has resulted in public health and environmental concerns.

In Hoosick Falls, special filters were installed on public and private wells contaminated with the industrial chemical PFOA that has been linked to cancer and other illness.

Residents there have accused the administration of Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo of being too slow to launch an investigation and warn people after the contamination came to light in 2014.

At a state Senate hearing in August, Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said the state followed federal guidelines in addressing the issue.