SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – An amendment to the state's constitution aimed at protecting the environment has been years in the making. Now for the fifth time, it's heading back to the roundhouse. Lawmakers sponsoring it believe this is the year the Green Amendment will pass. "People come from all over the world to enjoy the beauty of New Mexico and our culture," said Rep. Joanne Ferrary (D-Las Cruces). Since at least 2021, some New Mexico lawmakers have been working to protect just that by creating the Green Amendment to enshrine environmental protections in New Mexico's constitution. "By embedding environmental rights into the state constitution New Mexico can pave the way for a future where economic development and environmental protection co-exist sustainably. Assuring that the Land of Enchantment remains a vibrant and thriving place for all," said Sen. Harold Pope Jr. (D-Albuquerque), another sponsor for the bill. The proposal looks to create a fundamental right to a clean environment for all, assuring healthy air, water, and soil. "If people can't drink the water not only will they get sick, but they're going to move away and it's going to be absolutely devastating to the state," Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Albuquerque) said in Tuesday's announcement. This is the fifth time the amendment will go to the Roundhouse. Last year, a lobbyist for the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau expressed concern on how it could impact agriculture and a coalition of renewable energy companies spoke out saying the language was too broad and would be an unnecessary expense. Plus, there are concerns over the impact on the oil and gas industries. "This is not to shut down the industry it's not going to do that it's really about holding folks accountable in what they're doing," said Senator Pope Jr. Despite concerns, they aren't giving up hope. "It took ten years to eliminate the death penalty in New Mexico which I think just like this, was the right thing to do and it took persistence and sustained advocacy but it also required some changes in the makeup of the legislature," said Sen. Sedillo Lopez. Past versions repealed a piece of the constitution that said legislators have to protect commonly owned natural resources and ensure the public can use them. This time that won't be repealed. "Let New Mexicans decide if we prefer drinkable water for ourselves and future generations or to continue to line the pocketbooks of the elite few," said Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque). If passed, the Green Amendment would then go to voters on whether or not to add it to New Mexico's constitution. Lawmakers are planning to prefile the amendment by the end of the week. Three states have already passed similar amendments, Montana, Pennsylvania, and more recently, New York in 2021.