Summary
In 2007, CELDF drafted a local ordinance for Bethel, Alaska called the Bethel Corporate Toxics and Local Self-Governance Ordinance. The ordinance states that “Bethel residents, natural communities, and ecosystems shall be considered to be ‘persons'” under the law, and that “Natural communities and ecosystems possess inalienable and fundamental rights to exist and flourish within the City of Bethel and its watershed.” (3).
The ordinance emphasizes local self-government and a need to protect the health and general welfare of citizens and natural environment of the city and its watershed. It bans toxic substances within the city and its watershed. The ordinance also recognizes rights of residents to use the waters of the lands of the Yukon Kuskokwim and to be free from unwanted chemical invasions of their bodies.
Involved Organizations
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/bethel-corporate-toxics-and-local-self-governance-ordinance/.
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