Summary
In 2008, the town of Halifax, Virginia adopted an ordinance amending the town code to oppose corporate mining “in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents…[and] the environment. The ordinance recognizes residents’ right to self-government, a healthy environment, the integrity of their bodies, livelihood and home, cultural heritage, and water. The ordinance also recognized that natural communities and ecosystems possess inalienable and fundamental rights to exist and flourish within the town (6).