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Effort to Pass ‘Community Rights’ Measure Advances
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Activists in Ohio are joining ballot efforts around the country that supporters say would restore rights to communities to challenge a growing list of corporate incursions.
The effort to pass an Ohio Community Rights Amendment stems from mounting frustration among environmental groups that have failed for years to push fracking bans onto local ballots.
A spokeswoman says activists have also experienced difficulties regulating predatory lending, puppy mills, wireless equipment location, minimum wages and a host of other issues.
An executive for the oil-and-gas industry says the amendment is unconstitutional and would have devastating consequences for Ohio’s economy
The rights amendment and a companion measure extending initiative and referendum rights to counties and townships were certified in Ohio Monday. Both head next to the state ballot board.