State Lawsuit Filed Over Indigenous Communities’ Environmental Rights Violation Claims

In a historic constitutional lawsuit against the state of New Mexico, several groups are seeking to intervene in a case that involves Indigenous communities and environmentalists who claim that the state is violating the pollution control clause of its constitution. The lawsuit, which was filed in May, argues that the state has failed to prevent air pollution and protect natural resources for its people.

Plaintiffs will argue in front of the First Judicial District Court against motions from the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico and the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, who claim that this lawsuit will directly affect their business interests. However, lead counsel Gail Evans argues that only the state can violate constitutional rights. Additionally, the state has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit at a time when New Mexico is experiencing historic levels of oil production, second only to Texas.

Aside from this legal action, environmentalists are also pushing for voters to modify the state constitution to include a “green amendment” giving citizens the right to a clean and healthy environment. This lawsuit specifically focuses on air pollution control in New Mexico.

The hearing for this major case is set to begin on Friday, March 29 at 2pm MST and will be available for viewing via Google Meet.