Target: Crystal Jankowski, Toledoans for Safe Water Organizer and Spokesperson
Goal: Applaud the passage of the Lake Erie Bill of Rights.
Lake Erie has gained vital protections thanks to the hard work of environmental activists. Recently, this ForceChange petition supported the multi-year struggle of Ohio activists to protect one of the state’s most precious natural wonders. These dedicated efforts paid off when Toledo, Ohio voters passed by a 61 percent vote the Lake Erie Bill of Rights (LEBOR). This landmark proclamation will help ensure the Great Lake flourishes for many years to come.
LEBOR gives ‘personhood’ status to Lake Erie, thereby affording it the same rights and protections as a human. If Toledo residents believe the lake’s ability to “flourish and naturally evolve” has been violated, then these residents now have the right to pursue legal action on Lake Erie’s behalf. Environmental threats against the lake and subsequent public health dangers brought about by tainted drinking water initially motivated locals to affect this meaningful change. A 2014 near-disaster (in which agriculture runoffs caused toxic algae blooms on the lake) provides just one recent example of unchecked abuse.
With the passage of LEBOR, Ohio follows in the footsteps of New Zealand, India, and Ecuador, all of whom have passed decisive resolutions granting ‘personhood’ protections to natural habitats. Sign this petition to thank one especially committed group of advocates who helped make this transformative and hopeful step a reality.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Ms. Jankowski,
“To be healthy and free from pollution that today is killing the Lake and depriving surrounding communities of safe water.” Against the intense lobbying of special interests, you helped make this affirmation of wellness and progression possible for at least one endangered environmental fixture. Thank you for your active role in realizing the dream of the Lake Erie Bill of Rights.
Because of relentless advocates like you, close to a million citizens will have their right to drink clean water protected. More motivating still, the life-sustaining force behind this nourishing water will receive the recognition and rights it has for too long been denied. Environmental safety will replace unchecked exploitation, and Lake Erie will at last have the chance to “flourish.”
Please keep up the good fight, and together let’s make this environmental victory only the beginning of a promising trend for natural habitats across the country.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Shawn Gaske
374 Signatures