Danby (USA) Ordinance: community water rights and rights of nature
Danby, New York adopted an ordinance recognizing rights of nature and giving the right of water to all residents, natural communities, and ecosystems in 2010.Read More →
North America
This page identifies ecological jurisprudence initiatives that exist in the United States, Canada, and Greenland. While we acknowledge that Mexico is geographically part of North America, we include Mexico in the Latin American category.
Shasta (USA) Ordinance: community water rights and rights of nature
Shasta, California ordinance recognizing rights of nature and giving residents environmental rights was removed from the ballot in 2009.Read More →
Lehman Township (USA) Ordinance: natural gas drilling ban, community rights, and rights of nature
Residents of Lehman Township, Pennsylvania and CELDF drafted an ordinance recognizing rights of nature and environmental rights for residents in 2010.Read More →
Pittsburgh (USA) City Ordinance: natural gas drilling ban and rights of nature
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania adopted an ordinance recognizing rights of nature and banning corporations from engaging in natural gas extraction in 2010.Read More →
Blaine Township (USA) Ordinance (2008): corporate taking ban and rights of nature
Blaine Township, Pennsylvania passed an ordinance recognizing rights of nature and banning corporations from taking private property in the township in 2008.Read More →
USA Federal Court Case: Cetacean Community v. Bush
In 2004, the “Cetacean Community” (plaintiffs) filed and lost a lawsuit to halt actions by the U.S. Navy that cause harm to Cetaceans.Read More →
Barnstead (USA) Town Ordinance: community water rights and rights of nature
Barnstead, New Hampshire adopted an ordinance recognizing water rights and the rights of nature and limiting corporate powers within the town in 2006.Read More →
Rush Township (USA) Ordinance: sewage sludge and rights of nature
In 2006, Rush Township in Pennsylvania recognizing rights of nature and banning corporations from the land application of sewage sludge within the township.Read More →