News Environment
‘Unconstitutionally vague’: Lake Erie Bill of Rights thrown out

A federal judge decided the Lake Erie bill of rights – a new law granting rights to Lake Erie and empowering Toledo, OH citizens to file lawsuits on behalf of the lake – was unconstitutionally vague.

If allowed to stand, the law would have exposed thousands of farmers in the region to lawsuits, challenging their use of fertilizers. The measure came about after a toxic algae bloom in Lake Erie in August 2014 contaminated Toledo drinking water supplies. Questions were raised about the cause of the bloom, and the finger was pointed at nutrient runoff from farms as a culprit. | READ MORE