Summary
In 2011, the city of Oberlin, Ohio adopted an ordinance establishing a community bill of rights and declaring an emergency. The ordinance created a community bill of rights for the residents and natural communities of Oberlin and protected their rights by prohibiting gas and oil extraction and related activities, citing the need to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people, environments, and neighborhoods of Oberlin. The ordinance also gave residents the right to clean water, clean air, peaceful enjoyment of home, be free from chemical trespass, and a sustainable energy future. Natural communities and ecosystems were awarded the rights to clean water, clean air, be free from chemical trespass, and to exist and flourish.