Lake Erie Bill of Rights ruled unconstitutional

A federal judge has dealt a blow to Toledo activists’ efforts to protect Lake Erie from environmental catastrophe. Senior U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary ruled on February 27 that the Lake Erie Bill of Rights was unconstitutional. Passed by Toledo voters in February of 2019, the Bill of Rights was intended to allow private citizens to file lawsuits on behalf of the lake to fight against pollution. In his ruling, Judge Zouhary noted that the law was well-intentioned, but too vague and “exceeds the power of municipal government in Ohio.” The City of Toledo law department has not yet decided whether to appeal the judge’s decision.

A federal judge has dealt a blow to Toledo activists’ efforts to protect Lake Erie from environmental catastrophe. Senior U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary ruled on February 27 that the Lake Erie Bill of Rights was unconstitutional. Passed by Toledo voters in February of 2019, the Bill of Rights was intended to allow private citizens to file lawsuits on behalf of the lake to fight against pollution. In his ruling, Judge Zouhary noted that the law was well-intentioned, but too vague and “exceeds the power of municipal government in Ohio.” The City of Toledo law department has not yet decided whether to appeal the judge’s decision.