As a resident of a state, you are guaranteed certain rights by your state constitution. In Washington, for example, we have a right to religious freedom and free elections. Oregon is looking at guaranteeing the right for all citizens to live in a healthy environment  – including a stable climate. The state legislature is debating whether to have voters weigh in on the change. 

If that guarantee does pass, it would allow state residents to sue Oregon if they are denied this right. And it would become part of an international effort to hold governments legally liable for accelerating climate change. 

Guest:

Alex Baumhardt, reporter at Oregon Capital Chronicle 

Relevant Links:

Oregon Capital Chronicle: Oregonians ask Legislature to let voters decide on constitutional right to healthy climate

Oregon Capital Chronicle: U.S. Supreme Court declines to revive landmark climate suit brought by young Oregonians

 

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

 

As a resident of a state, you are guaranteed certain rights by your state constitution. In Washington, for example, we have a right to religious freedom and free elections. Oregon is looking at guaranteeing the right for all citizens to live in a healthy environment&nbsp; &ndash; including a stable climate. The state legislature is debating whether to have voters weigh in on the change.&nbsp;
If that guarantee does pass, it would allow state residents to sue Oregon if they are denied this right.&nbsp;And it would become part of an international effort to hold governments legally liable for accelerating climate change.&nbsp;
Guest:
Alex Baumhardt, reporter at Oregon Capital Chronicle&nbsp;
Relevant Links:
Oregon Capital Chronicle: <a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/03/27/oregonians-ask-legislature-to-let-voters-decide-on-constitutional-right-to-healthy-climate/">Oregonians ask Legislature to let voters decide on constitutional right to healthy climate</a>
Oregon Capital Chronicle: <a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/03/24/u-s-supreme-court-declines-to-revive-landmark-climate-suit-brought-by-young-oregonians/">U.S. Supreme Court declines to revive landmark climate suit brought by young Oregonians</a>
&nbsp;
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.
&nbsp;

Soundside

Oregon is looking at guaranteeing the right for all citizens to live in a healthy environment  – including a stable climate. The state legislature is debating whether to have voters weigh in on the change. 

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