The Congress of Michoacan has unanimously approved a constitutional amendment recognizing the right to a healthy, safe and sustainable environment, marking a significant shift in the state’s legal framework for environmental protection and land-use governance. The decree was passed with 34 votes in favor as part of the harmonization of Mexico’s federal constitutional reform enacted in November 2024. With this change, the right to a healthy environment is formally incorporated into the Political Constitution of Michoacán, making it a binding obligation for state authorities, municipalities and communal governments.
Under the reform, public authorities are required to guarantee environmental justice, promote ecosystem restoration, and prevent, control and remediate pollution affecting air, water and soil. The amendment also explicitly authorizes the use of geoprocessing and…
