Pennsylvania’s Constitution promises every resident clean air, pure water and a healthy environment. That’s not just a slogan, it’s a right. And it’s a right our state’s Supreme Court has recognized and protected.

In the landmark Robinson Township case, the court set the precedent that communities have the right to protect themselves from harmful drilling practices, thus establishing their right to limit fracking. Since then, Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht have carried that commitment forward.

In the 2021 Pennsylvania Environmental Defense Foundation case, the justices ruled that funds from oil and gas leases must be used to preserve our environment, not be diverted elsewhere. This reaffirmed that Pennsylvania’s natural resources belong to the people and the state must act as a trustee.

Now, with a major decision pending on whether Pennsylvania joins the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, we need justices who will uphold Article 1 and protect the public’s rights. That’s why I’m voting “yes” to retain Justices Donohue, Dougherty, and Wecht. Our health, environment, and future depend on it.

Dave Hemberger

Exeter Township