Rooted in Rights: The Evolution of Environmental Constitutionalism and the Path Forward

The Widener Commonwealth Law School Chapter of the American Constitution Society invites you to a discussion with Professor John Dernbach on Pennsylvania’s Environmental Rights Amendment (Article I, Section 27) and its broader implications.

Enacted in 1971, Pennsylvania’s constitutional amendment guarantees the right to a clean environment, but its interpretation and enforcement have evolved over time. Professor Dernbach, a leading expert on environmental law and policy, will explore the history behind the amendment’s adoption, its legal challenges, and its influence on environmental protection efforts in Pennsylvania and beyond. He will also discuss how similar constitutional provisions in other states have shaped environmental governance and what the future may hold for constitutional environmental rights.

Join us for this insightful conversation on the intersection of constitutional law and environmental justice.