New York Appellate Court Dismisses Green Amendment Claim and Rejects Argument that Amendment is Self-Executing

A New York intermediate appellate court recently affirmed the dismissal of a claim alleging violations of the State’s Environmental Rights Amendment, also known as the Green Amendment. People of the State of New York v. Norlite, LLC, No. CV-25-0091, 2026 WL 530410 (3d Dep’t Feb. 26, 2026). This is the second appellate court to interpret the Green Amendment, which provides New Yorkers “a right to clean air and water, and a healthful environment.” N.Y. Const., Art. 1, Sec. 19. And it is the first... By: Beveridge & Diamond PC