Franklin Kury and Pennsylvania's Environmental Rights | Philadelphia News

Franklin Kury, the visionary behind Pennsylvania’s landmark environmental rights amendment, passed away at 89 — leaving behind a legacy that reshaped conservation law. His childhood exposure to coal industry devastation fueled his belief that constitutional protections were essential for future generations. Through iconic imagery like jars of clean vs. polluted water, he won a surprising election and helped enshrine the right to clean air and water in the state constitution. Though initially seen as symbolic, his amendment gained legal force in the 2010s, empowering courts to block fracking and oil drilling. Kury’s work not only transformed Pennsylvania but inspired similar amendments across the U.S., cementing his role as a global pioneer in environmental justice. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/58696128770b1e32