As the integrity of our ecosystem is increasingly challenged by human activity, and population growth and the accompanying sprawl are seriously damaging and threatening to destroy the ecological carrying capacity (environmental sustainability) of the region, it is the policy of the County to implement the following rights:
- (a) The right to breathe clean air and enjoy clear vistas.
- (b) The right to the preservation of natural riparian areas and wetlands.
- (c) The right to permanently protected minimum stream flows in rivers and creeks.
- (d) The right to the preservation and restoration of native wildlife and plant diversity by preservation of sufficient habitat.
- (e) The right to protection of designated wilderness through management of adjoining land in a way that preserves the integrity of the wilderness areas.
- (f) The right to a landscape kept free of noxious and invasive weeds.
- (g) The right of appropriate access to public lands on roads and trails historically open to the public, consistent with the nature and designation of the public lands.
- (h) The right to dedicated open space protected from urbanization and development.
- (i) The right to the efficient and renewable use of energy.
- (j) The right to be free from excessive noise.
- (k) The right to see the night sky without the interference of unnecessary artificial light from growth, urbanization and highway development.
- (l) The right to the absolute minimum involuntary exposure to toxic chemicals, radioactive substances and energy forms that are hazardous to health.
- (m) The right to maintain and not exceed the carrying capacity (sustainability) of the land and water, including protecting water quality.
- (n) The right to expect government legislation and active enforcement of land use and development regulations consistent with this Ecological Bill of Rights.