Ohio residents are now barred from filing lawsuits against polluters on behalf of the Buckeye State’s natural resources.
Gov. Mike DeWine (R) signed a budget bill July 18 which includes several provisions prohibiting “rights of nature” litigation pushed by activists who wanted to give residents the power to sue polluters on behalf of ecosystems like lakes and rivers.
The “rights of nature” movement has fought for recognition in Ohio for years with little success, constantly facing defeat in the courts and at several county boards of elections.
In February, activists scored their highest-profile win in a referendum ...