Proposal 2 on voters’ election ballot would create a new right under the state constitution — the right to clean air, water and a healthful environment.

That’s hard to oppose.

Those supporting the constitutional amendment say it will require state and local governments and business to consider the environment and citizens’ relationship to the environment at all levels of decision making as well as creating a way to combat environmental racism and inequities communities of color and low-income communities face from being exposed to pollution and other environment-harming pollution more than other areas of the state.

There are concerns that the amendment’s broad language could lead to complications, including frivolous lawsuits against companies that have thus far complied with existing environmental rules. There are also concerns that implementing the amendment’s ideals ends up falling to the legislature and courts, leading to possible unintended consequences.

As we said, it is hard to say no to enshrining the right to clean air and water in the state Constitution. Most people approve of the idea of leaving their children and grandchildren a world with a healthy environment.

But the devil will ultimately be in the details — and it will be up to policy makers and judges to find an appropriate balance between the needs of man and the environment. Frankly, those policy makers have proven themselves to be untrustworthy.

New York is already one of the most expensive states in which to live and do business. Majority Democrats have shown they don’t need good reasons to raise taxes and fees — imagine what they would do if they were constitutionally mandated to raise taxes and fees on any number of things.

Clean air and water is a worthy goal that everyone in New York state should strive to reach. This proposal is, in our view, a poor avenue to reach that destination. Vote no on Proposal 2.