Summary
In 2012, Las Vegas, New Mexico submitted a community rights-based ordinance banning fracking within the city and recognizing rights of nature. The ordinance declares that “all residents, natural communities, and ecosystems in Las Vegas, New Mexico possess a right to a sustainable energy future, which includes, but is not limited to, the development, production, and use of energy from renewable fuel sources, and the right to have an energy system based on fuel sources other than fossil fuel sources. This right shall also include the right to energy practices that do not cause harm, and which do not threaten to cause harm, to people, communities, or the natural environment.” The ordinance asserts the right to water, water for agriculture, a sustainable energy future, and self-government. In the end, a similar ordinance that omitted rights of nature was adopted.