Summary
In 2007, CELDF drafted an ordinance for Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania called Peach Bottom Township Sustainable Agriculture and Community Self-Government Ordinance. The ordinance declares that: “Natural communities and ecosystems possess inalienable and fundamental rights to exist and flourish within the
Township of Peach Bottom” and that “Township residents, natural communities, and ecosystems shall be considered to be “persons” for purposes of the
enforcement of the civil rights of those residents, natural communities, and ecosystems.” (6).
The ordinance emphasizes local self-government and need to protect the health and general welfare of citizens and natural environment of the township by establishing sustainable agriculture policy and banning corporations from engaging in agriculture and the land application of sewage sludge. The ordinance also recognizes residents’ rights to a healthy environment.
The ordinance was defeated in a vote by the Township Supervisors.