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Feb 8, 2018

In These Times: The Community Rights Movement to the New Hampshire House: Let the People Decide What’s Best

In These Times: The Community Rights Movement to the New Hampshire House: Let the People Decide What’s Best

Taking steps to assert decision-making authority over their own communities, New Hampshire residents work with the CELDF and NHCRN to advance a rights-based state constitutional amendment.

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Feb 6, 2018

New Hampshire Public Radio: Local Governance Advocates Try Again To Amend State Constitution

New Hampshire Public Radio: Local Governance Advocates Try Again To Amend State Constitution

New Hampshire supporters of a community rights state constitutional amendment urge the legislative committee to advance the amendment to the House.

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Feb 5, 2018

Think Progress: The new legal threat to environmental attorneys: Sanctions from judges and attorneys general

Think Progress: The new legal threat to environmental attorneys: Sanctions from judges and attorneys general

From ThinkProgress on the efforts of the oil and gas industry to stop Community Rights and Rights of Nature, the courageous communities who refuse to fold, and the growing momentum of this new legal paradigm.

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Feb 5, 2018

New Hampshire Public Radio: Plymouth Is Latest To Try Blocking Big Energy Projects With Local Ordinance

New Hampshire Public Radio: Plymouth Is Latest To Try Blocking Big Energy Projects With Local Ordinance

Plymouth, NH, residents are among the growing numbers of New Hampshire communities using Community Rights to stop projects harmful to their health, safety, and welfare.

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Feb 3, 2018

Columbus Free Press: Overturning Ohio HB 463 – Dismantling a corporate state and building something new

Columbus Free Press: Overturning Ohio HB 463 – Dismantling a corporate state and building something new

CELDF stands by Ohio residents. Together, the people succeeded in overturning unjust law, and today they are ramping up their efforts to advance democratic and environmental rights across the state.

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Feb 1, 2018

The Register-Guard: Don’t delay aerial spray ballot issue discussion

The Register-Guard: Don’t delay aerial spray ballot issue discussion

Lane County, OR, residents urge their county commissioners to place Community Rights measures on the ballot for a vote by the people. Residents are taking action to protect themselves from aerial spraying of herbicides.

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Feb 1, 2018

Press Release: Plymouth, NH, Voters Adopt Community Rights Sustainable Energy Future Ordinance

Press Release: Plymouth, NH, Voters Adopt Community Rights Sustainable Energy Future Ordinance

Plymouth, NH, voters overwhelmingly adopt a rights-based ordinance banning unsustainable energy projects and protecting their right to a sustainable energy future. The measure bans the Northern Pass project.

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Jan 31, 2018

New Hampshire Rep. Ellen Read on adopting a Community Rights state constitutional amendment

New Hampshire Rep. Ellen Read on adopting a Community Rights state constitutional amendment

As the New Hampshire Community Rights state constitutional amendment moves forward to a legislative committee, Representative Ellen Read voices her support for the amendment. Listen here.

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Jan 31, 2018

Union Leader: Plymouth residents take aim at Northern Pass with new ordinance

Union Leader: Plymouth residents take aim at Northern Pass with new ordinance

Facing a massive electrical power corridor cutting through New Hampshire, the people of Plymouth ban the project in their Town using Community Rights. Next step: a statewide amendment codifying Community Rights in the NH constitution.

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Jan 25, 2018

The Laconia Daily Sun: Let’s not wait for the Legislature’s permission to self-govern

The Laconia Daily Sun: Let’s not wait for the Legislature’s permission to self-govern

A former Selectperson from Ashland, NH, writes this LTE on the NH Community Rights state constitutional amendment. We are born with the inalienable right to local community self-government, and we must exercise that right.

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Jan 23, 2018

Press Release: New Hampshire Community Rights Amendment Advances to Public Committee Hearing

Press Release: New Hampshire Community Rights Amendment Advances to Public Committee Hearing

New Hampshire residents and the NHCRN advance a Community Rights state constitutional amendment to the legislative committee hearing.

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

Jan 22, 2018

Non-Profit Quarterly: Nonprofit Legal Firm Ordered to Pay for its Defense of Anti-Fracking City Ordinance

Non-Profit Quarterly: Nonprofit Legal Firm Ordered to Pay for its Defense of Anti-Fracking City Ordinance

Sanctioning public interest attorneys for defending Grant Township, PA’s, ban on fracking wastewater injection wells is the next step in efforts to stop communities from refusing harmful corporate projects.

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Jan 17, 2018

Desmog: Court Orders Nonprofit Law Firm to Pay $52,000 to Oil and Gas Company for Defending Local Fracking Waste Ban

Desmog: Court Orders Nonprofit Law Firm to Pay $52,000 to Oil and Gas Company for Defending Local Fracking Waste Ban

Community Rights is growing, and this is the corporate state’s punitive response.

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Jan 11, 2018

The Athens News: City Council commits to codifying citizen-OKed laws, including anti-fracking, pot de-penalization

The Athens News: City Council commits to codifying citizen-OKed laws, including anti-fracking, pot de-penalization

Protecting water means enforcing their Community Bill of Rights fracking ban, says Athens, OH, residents. The rights-based law was adopted overwhelmingly by residents in 2014.

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Jan 10, 2018

Rolling Stone: The Rights of Nature Movement Goes on Trial

Rolling Stone: The Rights of Nature Movement Goes on Trial

The people of Grant Township, PA, are fiercely defending their right to clean air and water. A federal judge sanctions two attorneys for standing with Grant and fighting for their rights.

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Jan 5, 2018

Press Release: Federal Court Sanctions Lawyers for Defending Community’s Right to Say “No” to Frack Wastewater Injection Wells

Press Release: Federal Court Sanctions Lawyers for Defending Community’s Right to Say “No” to Frack Wastewater Injection Wells

The corporate state’s judiciary punishes attorneys defending Grant Township, PA, residents against the oil and gas industry by imposing sanctions.

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Jan 3, 2018

Daily Camera: Lafayette to meet with legal fund on fracking ban defense, over counsel’s concerns

Daily Camera: Lafayette to meet with legal fund on fracking ban defense, over counsel’s concerns

Lafayette, CO, city council looks to defend its Right to Climate ordinance banning fracking activities, holding an open forum with CELDF on strategies to do so.

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Dec 22, 2017

The Guardian: New Zealand gives Mount Taranaki same legal rights as a person

The Guardian: New Zealand gives Mount Taranaki same legal rights as a person

As part of the growing Rights of Nature movement, this sacred mountain in New Zealand is now recognized as having rights.

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Dec 21, 2017

Fosters.com: We the people shall rule

Fosters.com: We the people shall rule

People have always risen up to right the wrongs inflicted by the ruling elite. That time has come again, and the people of New Hampshire are using Community Rights to end harmful exploitation of our communities.

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Dec 20, 2017

Press Release: First Rights of Nature Easement Established in Hawaii

Press Release: First Rights of Nature Easement Established in Hawaii

As part of the growing Rights of Nature movement, the first conservation easement in Hawaii recognizing the Rights of Nature now protects 8 acres of land on the island of Kaua’i.

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Dec 7, 2017

The New Political: Here’s how the Ohio Community Rights Network is reforming the Ohio Constitution

The New Political: Here’s how the Ohio Community Rights Network is reforming the Ohio Constitution

CELDF, the Ohio Community Rights Network, and Athens County, OH, residents are partnering together to advance democratic and environmental rights to all Ohio residents.

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Dec 7, 2017

Press Release: Ohio Ballot Board Approves Community Rights State Constitutional Amendments

Press Release: Ohio Ballot Board Approves Community Rights State Constitutional Amendments

Two Community Rights state constitutional amendments advance in Ohio, meeting Ballot Board requirements for single subject. Residents are launching their signature gathering campaign.

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

Dec 7, 2017

San Diego Free Press: Time to Escalate? First-Ever Rights of Nature Lawsuit Dismissed

San Diego Free Press: Time to Escalate? First-Ever Rights of Nature Lawsuit Dismissed

Will Falk, as a “next friend” in the recently dismissed Colorado River v. State of Colorado lawsuit, examines the reality of our legal system – designed to protect property, not people or nature.

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Dec 2, 2017

Post Independent: State files again to dismiss Colorado River ‘personhood’ lawsuit, threatens to sanction lawyer

Post Independent: State files again to dismiss Colorado River ‘personhood’ lawsuit, threatens to sanction lawyer

The Colorado AG wants to shut down the rights of nature case, Colorado River v. State of Colorado. Supporters know the case is part of a growing movement to protect ecosystems by recognizing their rights.

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Nov 30, 2017

Summit Daily: Attorney in Colorado River lawsuit refuses to withdraw suit despite threats of sanctions from state

Summit Daily: Attorney in Colorado River lawsuit refuses to withdraw suit despite threats of sanctions from state

As climate change accelerates unabated, growing numbers of people and communities are advancing Rights of Nature in court. In Colorado, the Attorney General uses threat of sanctions to shut it down.

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Nov 29, 2017

Courthouse News: Attorney Rebuffs Colorado’s Threat of Sanctions in River Case

Courthouse News: Attorney Rebuffs Colorado’s Threat of Sanctions in River Case

Jason Flores-Williams is arguing for the rights of the Colorado River in federal court and now faces sanctions for doing so. He is unflinching in his response.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Nov 29, 2017

US News: Ohio Activists Push Amendments to Restore Community Rights

US News: Ohio Activists Push Amendments to Restore Community Rights

Communities across the country are rising up as corporate threats grow – including Ohio, where residents are advancing rights-based state constitutional amendments elevating Community Rights over corporate “rights.”

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

Nov 28, 2017

The Hartmann Report: What’s It Going to Take to Return to the Politics of Sanity?

The Hartmann Report: What’s It Going to Take to Return to the Politics of Sanity?

Radio host Thom Hartmann interviews NH representative Ellen Read and CELDF’s Michelle Sanborn on the NH Community Rights state constitutional amendment. The interview begins at 31 minutes.

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Nov 28, 2017

The Athens News: Rights groups hope to achieve goals by altering state law

The Athens News: Rights groups hope to achieve goals by altering state law

Coming up against state preemption and corporate “rights,” Ohio residents say “no more!” They are working with CELDF to advance two state constitutional amendments that protect community and nature’s rights.

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

Nov 28, 2017

Cleveland.com: Ohio local governance amendments certified by Attorney General Mike DeWine

Cleveland.com: Ohio local governance amendments certified by Attorney General Mike DeWine

Ohio residents meet first hurdle in advancing two rights-based state constitutional amendments, drafted with CELDF and the Ohio Community Rights Network.

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

Nov 22, 2017

Belt Magazine: Big Ag vs. Lake Erie: How Ohio’s Biggest Industry Threatens Its Greatest Resource

Belt Magazine: Big Ag vs. Lake Erie: How Ohio’s Biggest Industry Threatens Its Greatest Resource

Growing algae in Lake Erie is driving Toledo, OH, residents to advance a Community Bill of Rights initiative, which would protect the Lake, recognizing its right to exist and flourish.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Nov 18, 2017

Post Independent: Supporters rally to give Colorado River rights

Post Independent: Supporters rally to give Colorado River rights

Supporters of the federal lawsuit to recognize rights of the Colorado River look ahead to build momentum for the broader recognition of the rights of nature.

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Nov 17, 2017

Press Release: Ohio Residents Fight for Rights: Submit State Constitutional Amendments to Guarantee Right to Local Self-Government

Press Release: Ohio Residents Fight for Rights: Submit State Constitutional Amendments to Guarantee Right to Local Self-Government

Today, residents take action to protect democratic and environmental rights in Ohio, submitting two state constitutional amendments to the Ohio Attorney General.

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

Nov 17, 2017

The Hill: My freedom is on the line to fight climate change, more will follow

The Hill: My freedom is on the line to fight climate change, more will follow

Climate Disobedience Center’s Ken Ward lays bare what the Bonn climate talks are really about: 50 shades of climate denial. People on the ground and driven by necessity will do what is necessary to save the planet.

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Nov 15, 2017

Seacoastonline.com: Amendment would recognize right to self-government

Seacoastonline.com: Amendment would recognize right to self-government

Residents urge New Hampshire legislators to place a Community Rights state constitutional amendment on the ballot for voters.

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Nov 13, 2017

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: ‘No is no is no’: A tiny township’s fight against oil and gas waste disposal

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: ‘No is no is no’: A tiny township’s fight against oil and gas waste disposal

While Grant Township, PA, residents fight to protect themselves from PGE’s frack wastewater injection well, the oil and gas industry admits it wants to bankrupt CELDF.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Nov 11, 2017

The Post: Charter proponents protest outside board of elections

The Post: Charter proponents protest outside board of elections

Community Rights activists speak out against Medina County’s BOE blocking a proposed county charter citizen initiative. Residents gathered 17,000 signatures to place the measure on the November ballot.

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Nov 10, 2017

Truthout: “Nature Has Rights”: Activists Call for a Legal Transformation

Truthout: “Nature Has Rights”: Activists Call for a Legal Transformation

There is a growing global movement of activists and attorneys who are forging a new kind of environmental law by proclaiming the legal “rights of nature.”

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Nov 7, 2017

Sentinel-Tribune: Mayor offers impromptu remarks on Nexus, charter amendment

Sentinel-Tribune: Mayor offers impromptu remarks on Nexus, charter amendment

Students fight for right to a livable climate in Bowling Green, OH, advancing a charter amendment measure to protect the City from the Nexus pipeline.

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Nov 7, 2017

Press Release: Youngstown Residents Circulating Petitions for Water Protection Law

Press Release: Youngstown Residents Circulating Petitions for Water Protection Law

Youngstown, OH, residents make their comeback, gathering signatures on election day for their Community Rights charter amendment protecting their water.

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Oct 30, 2017

KBOO Radio: Coos River Estuary Intervenes in Jordan Cove FERC Proceedings

KBOO Radio: Coos River Estuary Intervenes in Jordan Cove FERC Proceedings

As part of the growing movement for the Rights of Nature, Coos River Estuary in Oregon recently filed to intervene in a FERC hearing on the Jordan Cove project.

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Oct 22, 2017

Patricia Randolph’s Madravenspeak: Plaintiff Coyote: Group helps communities put rights of nature into law

Patricia Randolph’s Madravenspeak: Plaintiff Coyote: Group helps communities put rights of nature into law

This is what we need to do, given the global environmental crisis we face and the legal structure that created it: dismantle existing law and build something new.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Oct 19, 2017

KUNC: Is A Personhood Lawsuit The Best Way To Save The Colorado River?

KUNC: Is A Personhood Lawsuit The Best Way To Save The Colorado River?

An over-burdened Colorado River ecosystem files a first-in-the-nation lawsuit to have its rights recognized at a time of growing ecological crisis.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Oct 19, 2017

Sentinel-Tribune: Ohio Supreme Court denies effort to keep BG charter amendment off ballot

Sentinel-Tribune: Ohio Supreme Court denies effort to keep BG charter amendment off ballot

The people prevail! An attempt to keep Bowling Green, OH, residents from voting on their Right to Climate ballot initiative falls flat before the Ohio Supreme Court.

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

Oct 18, 2017

NPQ: The Colorado River Has Its Own Lawyer Now

NPQ: The Colorado River Has Its Own Lawyer Now

A lawsuit to recognize the rights of the Colorado River to exist, flourish, and evolve, is the next step in the growing Rights of Nature movement.

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Oct 18, 2017

Desmog: Fossil Fuel Misinformation Helps Quash Community Effort to Ban Fracking in Youngstown, Ohio

Desmog: Fossil Fuel Misinformation Helps Quash Community Effort to Ban Fracking in Youngstown, Ohio

The oil and gas industry, Ohio legislators, and the Ohio Supreme Court strip Youngstown residents of their right to vote. Their response: “Onward!”

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Oct 13, 2017

CBC Radio’s The Current: Colorado River should have same legal status as a person: lawsuit

CBC Radio’s The Current: Colorado River should have same legal status as a person: lawsuit

The Current interviews attorney Jason Flores-Williams on his work with Deep Green Resistance to recognize the rights of the Colorado River. DGR filed a federal lawsuit filed last month.

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