This is the kind of ruling that I believe indicates how Nova Earth is beginning to take shape. We should be seeing more decisions like this making their way into the public arena; that is to say, into the collective consciousness. Although nothing has become law, it is movement in the right direction, and a victory for all the people who are working selflessly behind the scenes to make these changes. -S.C.-
Texas judge rules atmosphere, air is public trust
by
Ramit Plushnik-Masti
Associated Press
July 12, 2012
source: www.bostonglobe.com
HOUSTON
— A Texas judge has ruled that the atmosphere and air must be protected for
public use, just like water, which could help attorneys tasked with arguing
climate change lawsuits designed to force states to cut emissions.The written
ruling, issued in a letter Monday by Texas District Court Judge Gisela Triana,
shot down arguments by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that only
water is a ‘‘public trust,’’ a doctrine that dates to the Roman Empire stating
a government must protect certain resources — usually water, sometimes wildlife
— for the common good.Adam Abrams, one of the attorneys arguing the case
against the commission, said Triana’s ruling could be used as a persuasive
argument in lawsuits pending in 11 other states.
