[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 440 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]







110th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 440

     Recognizing soil as an essential natural resource, and soils 
professionals as playing a critical role in managing our Nation's soil 
                               resources.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            January 31, 2008

 Mr. Brown (for himself, Mr. Voinovich, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Salazar, Mr. 
     Feingold, Mr. Conrad, and Mr. Harkin) submitted the following 
    resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, 
                        Nutrition, and Forestry

                             June 23, 2008

             Committee discharged; considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
     Recognizing soil as an essential natural resource, and soils 
professionals as playing a critical role in managing our Nation's soil 
                               resources.

Whereas soil, plant, animal, and human health are intricately linked and the 
        sustainable use of soil affects climate, water and air quality, human 
        health, biodiversity, food safety, and agricultural production;
Whereas soil is a dynamic system which performs many functions and services 
        vital to human activities and ecosystems;
Whereas, despite soil's importance to human health, the environment, nutrition 
        and food, feed, fiber, and fuel production, there is little public 
        awareness of the importance of soil protection;
Whereas the degradation of soil can be rapid, while the formation and 
        regeneration processes can be very slow;
Whereas protection of United States soil based on the principles of preservation 
        and enhancement of soil functions, prevention of soil degradation, 
        mitigation of detrimental use, and restoration of degraded soils is 
        essential to the long-term prosperity of the United States;
Whereas legislation in the areas of organic, industrial, chemical, biological, 
        and medical waste pollution prevention and control should consider soil 
        protection provisions;
Whereas legislation on climate change, water quality, agriculture, and rural 
        development should offer a coherent and effective legislative framework 
        for common principles and objectives that are aimed at protection and 
        sustainable use of soils in the United States;
Whereas soil contamination coupled with poor or inappropriate soil management 
        practices continues to leave contaminated sites unremediated; and
Whereas soil can be managed in a sustainable manner, which preserves its 
        capacity to deliver ecological, economic, and social benefits, while 
        maintaining its value for future generations: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes it as necessary to improve knowledge, 
        exchange information, and develop and implement best practices 
        for soil management, soil restoration, carbon sequestration, 
        and long-term use of the Nation's soil resources;
            (2) recognizes the important role of soil scientists and 
        soils professionals, who are well-equipped with the information 
        and experience needed to address the issues of today and those 
        of tomorrow in managing the Nation's soil resources;
            (3) commends soil scientists and soils professionals for 
        their efforts to promote education, outreach, and awareness 
        necessary for generating more public interest in and 
        appreciation for soils; and
            (4) acknowledges the promise of soil scientists and soils 
        professionals to continue to enrich the lives of all Americans 
        by improving stewardship of the soil, combating soil 
        degradation, and ensuring the future protection and sustainable 
        use of our air, soil, and water resources.
                                 <all>