New Water In New York

By: Karla Barreto-Ayala, Community Reporter 

Recently, New York added a new environmental rights amendment to the state’s constitution’s Bill of Rights.  

The new amendment states, “Each person shall have a right to clean air and water, and a healthful environment.”

According to Ballotpedia.org, the encyclopedia of American politics, the purpose behind this proposal was to push for the protection of the environment in New York. 

More specifically, “to protect public health and the environment by adding the right of each person to clean air and water and a healthful environment.”

WJPS senior, Lianna Zuvich said, “I spend a lot of time in Pennsylvania, which is a state that has had environmental acts passed since the 1970s, considering it’s 2021 and we are just starting to see environmental constitutional changes in New York is surprising, but nonetheless a great step forward in the right direction.”  

This amendment allows for New Yorkers to be involved with what goes on with their water, air, and parks. 

These water changes are to be directed towards old vessels, machinery, and distribution. 

WJPS junior, Dayssy Acuahuitl said, “As a traveling soccer player, I need to stay hydrated and drink preferably water that’s clean. Now, knowing no matter where I am in New York, I’ll have access to genuinely clean water is amazing.”

WJPS senior, Jenny Kuo said she was excited about this amendment because of all the new opportunities it brings to the table. “It’s wondrous that New Yorkers everywhere, no matter what part they’re in, will be able to have more communicative and social opportunities to help the environment.” 

If you are interested in learning about more ways to help the environment and WJPS’s community, learn more with the school’s sustainability club.