Community Wires

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Aug 27, 2018

ABC Drive (North Queensland): Interview on the rights of the Great Barrier Reef

ABC Drive (North Queensland): Interview on the rights of the Great Barrier Reef

Listen to Dr. Michelle Maloney, founder of the Australian Centre for the Rights of Nature, on laws recognizing rights of the Great Barrier Reef to exist and flourish.

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Aug 24, 2018

Press Release: Franklin County Board of Elections Denies Residents the Right to Vote

Press Release: Franklin County Board of Elections Denies Residents the Right to Vote

The Franklin County, OH, Board of Elections strips 560,000 Columbus citizens of their right to vote on a rights-based ballot measure to protect the community from fracking waste.

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Aug 24, 2018

WOSU Public Media: Franklin County Board Of Elections Rejects Fracking Ban Proposal

WOSU Public Media: Franklin County Board Of Elections Rejects Fracking Ban Proposal

Despite Columbus, OH, residents qualifying their Community Rights citizen initiative banning frack waste, the Franklin County Board of Election blocks it from the November ballot.

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Aug 23, 2018

CCBOR PRESS RELEASE: COLUMBUS, OH, FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS WILL VOTE ON CITIZEN INITIATED COMMUNITY BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE HEADED FOR BALLOT

CCBOR PRESS RELEASE: COLUMBUS, OH, FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS WILL VOTE ON CITIZEN INITIATED COMMUNITY BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE HEADED FOR BALLOT

An oil and gas industry ally submits a protest to block a Community Bill of Rights initiative banning fracking waste from the ballot in Columbus, OH. CELDF attorney Terry Lodge presents arguments to defend the people’s right to vote on Friday, 8/24.

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Aug 17, 2018

Court of Appeals Decides to Avoid Voting Rights Issue, Denies Athens Residents an Appeal

Court of Appeals Decides to Avoid Voting Rights Issue, Denies Athens Residents an Appeal

Athens County, OH, residents advancing Community Rights to protect themselves from fracking through citizen initiative are denied their appeal.

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Aug 7, 2018

The Toledo Blade: Toledo water group collects signatures for “Lake Erie Bill of Rights” inclusion on Nov. ballot

The Toledo Blade: Toledo water group collects signatures for “Lake Erie Bill of Rights” inclusion on Nov. ballot

Toledo, OH, community members submit petitions to place a Lake Erie Bill of Rights citizen initiative on the November ballot. The measure recognizes the right of Lake Erie to exist and flourish, protecting it from major pollutors.

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Aug 6, 2018

Press Release: Columbus, OH, City Council Votes to Advance Fossil Fuel Extraction Ban to Ballot

Press Release: Columbus, OH, City Council Votes to Advance Fossil Fuel Extraction Ban to Ballot

Facing radioactive fracking waste, Columbus, OH, residents qualify a Community Bill of Rights initiative banning fracking activities from within the City. The measure protects rights to clean air, water, and soil.

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Jul 10, 2018

The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus anti-fracking initiative makes fall ballot, might not hold up legally

The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus anti-fracking initiative makes fall ballot, might not hold up legally

Residents in Columbus, OH, successfully qualify a Community Bill of Rights initiative for the November ballot. The measure bans fracking extraction and waste from within city limits as a violation of democratic and environmental rights.

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Jul 10, 2018

The Daily News: Residents rally to halt pig farm

The Daily News: Residents rally to halt pig farm

Todd Township, PA, supervisors fulfill on their commitment to protect the health, safety, and welfare of township community members, voting to adopt a Community Bill of Rights prohibiting industrial farming.

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Jul 10, 2018

Press Release: Pennsylvania Township Bans Corporate Industrial Farming

Press Release: Pennsylvania Township Bans Corporate Industrial Farming

Todd Township, PA, adopts a Community Rights law prohibiting industrial factory farming to protect their community and preserve local farming operations.

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Jul 6, 2018

Press Release: India Court Declares Legal Rights of “Entire Animal Kingdom”

Press Release: India Court Declares Legal Rights of “Entire Animal Kingdom”

Northern India Court issues ruling in growing Rights of Nature movement: “Every species has an inherent right to live and are required to be protected by law.”

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Jun 21, 2018

Daily Camera: After protest derails meeting, Lafayette says it will still vote on new drilling regs next month

Daily Camera: After protest derails meeting, Lafayette says it will still vote on new drilling regs next month

Lafayette, CO, City Council attempts to move forward with legalizing fracking while residents plan next steps to protect the community.

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Jun 20, 2018

Denver7: Anti-fracking protesters shut down LaFayette council meeting

Denver7: Anti-fracking protesters shut down LaFayette council meeting

As community members in Lafayette, CO, demand their City Council stand by the City’s Climate Bill of Rights, they force the council meeting to adjourn. Council members were attempting to legalize drilling.

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Jun 20, 2018

Daily Camera: Anti-fracking protest forces Lafayette City Council to adjourn early, suspend vote on new drilling rules

Daily Camera: Anti-fracking protest forces Lafayette City Council to adjourn early, suspend vote on new drilling rules

Lafayette, CO, residents shut down City Council, protecting their Climate Bill of Rights as council members attempt to legalize fracking.

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May 24, 2018

Press Release: Ohio Attorney & Community Rights Advocate Receives the 2018 Johnsrud Unsung Heroes Award

Press Release: Ohio Attorney & Community Rights Advocate Receives the 2018 Johnsrud Unsung Heroes Award

Environmental and social justice attorney Terry Lodge receives the 2018 Johnsrud Unsung Heroes Award. Lodge partners with CELDF to advance and protect Community Rights for communities across Ohio.

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May 23, 2018

The Guardian: Our laws make slaves of nature. It’s not just humans who need rights

The Guardian: Our laws make slaves of nature. It’s not just humans who need rights

As the recognition of Rights of Nature grows globally, we must move beyond thinking of nature as having legal personhood rights. We must recognize rights of ecosystems to existence, regeneration and restoration.

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May 21, 2018

The Remarkable Advancement of the NH Community Rights State Constitutional Amendment

The Remarkable Advancement of the NH Community Rights State Constitutional Amendment

A landmark legislative session was held this winter in New Hampshire. It marked the first time a Community Rights state constitutional amendment was debated and voted on by a state House of Representatives.

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May 21, 2018

Press Release: PGE Continues Efforts to Bankrupt Grant Township

Press Release: PGE Continues Efforts to Bankrupt Grant Township

PGE continues to harass Grant Township, a small community in rural Pennsylvania, by attempting to force the Township to pay attorney’s fees. Grant residents are protecting their water by fighting PGE’s proposed fracking wastewater injection well.

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May 9, 2018

Press Release: The Right to Water Shut Off in Unjust Youngstown Election

Press Release: The Right to Water Shut Off in Unjust Youngstown Election

It was a questionable election at best for Youngstown, OH, where community members are fighting for their right to clean water in a city that is making it increasingly difficult to even vote on citizen initiatives.

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May 7, 2018

Fosters.com: A rights-based ordinance for the Great Bay

Fosters.com: A rights-based ordinance for the Great Bay

Newmarket, Durham, and Newington, NH, residents are a part of the growing Community Rights movement building across the state as they work to protect the Lamprey Watershed from a number of corporate projects.

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May 1, 2018

The Daily News: Pig farm fight continues

The Daily News: Pig farm fight continues

Todd Township, PA, residents urge township supervisors to adopt their Community Bill of Rights banning a pig factory farm that threatens their community.

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Apr 24, 2018

The Progressive: Across the U.S., Courts are Keeping Voter Initiatives Off Local Ballots

The Progressive: Across the U.S., Courts are Keeping Voter Initiatives Off Local Ballots

This is what it looks like when elected officials and courts block direct democracy – citizen initiative rights are stripped and communities’ health, safety, and welfare are disregarded.

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Apr 19, 2018

Tell Me a Story: Michelle Holman, activist

Tell Me a Story: Michelle Holman, activist

Michelle Holman is a Community Rights activist in Lane County, OR, where she is fighting aerial-sprayed pesticides with residents and allies. Here, a short video story on her activism and why Community Rights.

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Apr 5, 2018

The Progressive: Poll: Voters Want Local Control, Not State Takeovers

The Progressive: Poll: Voters Want Local Control, Not State Takeovers

State preemption is growing, community members across the U.S. disapprove, and no liberal or conservative political party is coming in to save the day. Instead, people are beginning to take matters into their own hands.

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Mar 31, 2018

The Guardian: It’s only natural: the push to give rivers, mountains and forests legal rights

The Guardian: It’s only natural: the push to give rivers, mountains and forests legal rights

First initiated with CELDF in the U.S. in 2006, today our Rights of Nature is global. Here, its growing recognition in Australia to protect rivers and indigenous peoples.

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Mar 28, 2018

The Register-Guard: Judge’s ruling on spraying initiative thwarts people’s will

The Register-Guard: Judge’s ruling on spraying initiative thwarts people’s will

A circuit court judge renders meaningless the right to citizen initiative in Lane County, OR. Here’s how, why, and a call for the people to change our legal structure.

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Mar 27, 2018

Dick McGinn – A Life of Service

Dick McGinn – A Life of Service

CELDF, OHCRN, and Ohio communities grieve the loss of Dick McGinn, and celebrate his life and contributions. He was a passionate leader in growing Community Rights in Ohio.

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Mar 20, 2018

Jefferson Public Radio: Oregonian Wins Award For Opposition To Pesticides

Jefferson Public Radio: Oregonian Wins Award For Opposition To Pesticides

Carol Van Strum has dedicated her life to fighting pesticides. Here an interview with Van Strum and CELDF’s Kai Huschke on pesticides, Community Rights, and protecting our communities from corporate harms.

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Mar 20, 2018

Daily Camera: Anti-fracking group’s attorney sends letter to Lafayette over possible legal action

Daily Camera: Anti-fracking group’s attorney sends letter to Lafayette over possible legal action

Lafayette, CO, residents are unrelenting in their determination to protect their community from fracking harms. At City Council, they insist on enforcement of their Climate Bill of Rights and urge adoption of a non-violent direct action amendment.

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Mar 19, 2018

Broadway World: Core Dance To Participate In National Water Dance

Broadway World: Core Dance To Participate In National Water Dance

Integrating art with the environmental movement, the 2018 National Water Dance will take place across the U.S. on April 14th. Core Dance is partnering with CELDF and other organizations to build alliances and protect water.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots, Success Story

Mar 19, 2018

Daily Camera: Lafayette may again consider legalizing anti-fracking civil disobedience

Daily Camera: Lafayette may again consider legalizing anti-fracking civil disobedience

Community members in Lafayette, CO, rally behind an amendment to their Climate Bill of Rights that would legalize non-violent civil disobedience if necessary to stop fracking harms.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots, Success Story

Mar 14, 2018

Mongabay: Carol Van Strum, crusader against Agent Orange, wins prestigious environmental award

Mongabay: Carol Van Strum, crusader against Agent Orange, wins prestigious environmental award

Carol Van Strum, Community Rights advocate and long time activist, receives the international David Brower Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding environmental and social justice work.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Mar 9, 2018

Lane County, OR, residents vow to appeal decision blocking their rights-based initiative

Lane County, OR, residents vow to appeal decision blocking their rights-based initiative

See this story in The Register-Guard on Lane County, OR, residents fighting to protect themselves from aerially sprayed herbicides.

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Mar 8, 2018

The Athens News: Bill of Rights group and CELDF deserve praise for their work

The Athens News: Bill of Rights group and CELDF deserve praise for their work

An Athens County, OH, community member makes it clear: The people of Athens aren’t giving up their rights to govern themselves and protect their community from fracking wastewater, regardless of what the state says.

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Mar 6, 2018

The Monroe Monitor: Organizations rallying opposition to annual aerial spraying of pesticides in the Sky Valley region

The Monroe Monitor: Organizations rallying opposition to annual aerial spraying of pesticides in the Sky Valley region

Snohomish County, WA, residents partner with CELDF to assert their democratic rights and stop aerial sprayed pesticides.

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Mar 5, 2018

Daily Camera: Lafayette’s oil, gas forum ‘day one in the real resistance,’ activists say

Daily Camera: Lafayette’s oil, gas forum ‘day one in the real resistance,’ activists say

CELDF’s Thomas Linzey speaks to an overflowing crowd in Lafayette, CO, on defending their Climate Bill of Rights. The City’s ordinance bans fracking as a violation of rights.

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Mar 1, 2018

The Laconia Daily Sun: Perhaps Northern Pass is falling to our fatigue, but my generation has had enough, we’re done; vote yes on CRBO in Ashland

The Laconia Daily Sun: Perhaps Northern Pass is falling to our fatigue, but my generation has had enough, we’re done; vote yes on CRBO in Ashland

This powerful letter-to-the-editor by an Ashland, NH, resident, is what builds a people’s movement.

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Mar 1, 2018

The Athens News: Judges to hear appeal of Board of Elections’ rejection of charter

The Athens News: Judges to hear appeal of Board of Elections’ rejection of charter

Denied their right to vote by the Athens County Board of Elections in Ohio, county residents make their case today in the 4th district court of appeals. Residents qualified a rights-based county charter initiative in 2017 that banned fracking activities.

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Feb 28, 2018

Press Release: International Lifetime Achievement Award Presented to Oregon Community Rights, Rights of Nature Advocate

Press Release: International Lifetime Achievement Award Presented to Oregon Community Rights, Rights of Nature Advocate

Community Rights supporter Carol Van Strum receives the International Lifetime Achievement Award Presented at the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference in Eugene, OR.

Read More | Community Wires, Press Releases & Blogs, Success Story

Feb 23, 2018

Fosters.com: To the Editor: Let the people vote on CACR19

Fosters.com: To the Editor: Let the people vote on CACR19

With bi-partisan support, the New Hampshire House Municipal & County Government committee will vote how to recommend the Community Rights state constitutional amendment CACR19 to the full House next week.

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Feb 19, 2018

Press Release: New Hampshire Community Rights Amendment Backed by Legislative Subcommittee

Press Release: New Hampshire Community Rights Amendment Backed by Legislative Subcommittee

The people’s Community Rights state constitutional amendment moves ahead with the support of a New Hampshire legislative subcommittee.

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Feb 13, 2018

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Dennis Kucinich supports Community Rights state constitutional amendment

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Dennis Kucinich supports Community Rights state constitutional amendment

Columbus Free Press covers Ohio’s Dennis Kucinich and his support for a Community Rights state constitutional amendment.

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Feb 11, 2018

The Register-Guard: Rural residents in Lane County fight spraying of herbicides by helicopters

The Register-Guard: Rural residents in Lane County fight spraying of herbicides by helicopters

Community members advance community rights in Lane County, OR, fighting for their health and safety against the timber industry’s use of pesticides.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots