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Athens (USA) Town Ordinance: community bill of rights and rights of nature

Ohio, USA
Approved in 2014
Local
Legislation
Rights Of Nature
Natural Communities and Ecosystems
All Nature
CELDF and residents
Civil Society, NGO

Summary

In 2012, Athens, Ohio adopted a Community Bill of Rights, which proclaimed that “ecosystems and natural communities possess the right to exist and flourish.” The ordinance declares the right to potable water, a healthy environment, be free from chemical trespass, a sustainable energy future, and self-government. The measure also banned fracking within the county. The ordinance is still in effect.

Suggested Citation:
Kauffman, Craig, Catherine Haas, Alex Putzer, Shrishtee Bajpai, Kelsey Leonard, Elizabeth Macpherson, Pamela Martin, Alessandro Pelizzon & Linda Sheehan. Eco Jurisprudence Monitor. V2. 2025. Distributed by the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor.https://ecojurisprudence.org/initiatives/athens-community-bill-of-rights-and-water-supply-protection-ordinance/.

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Legal Document

Athens Community Bill of Rights and Water Supply Protection Ordinance
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Additional Resources

CELDF Press Release
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