[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN OBSERVANCE OF EARTH DAY

                                 ______


                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 1996

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, it was just 1 year ago when this nation 
celebrated the 25th anniversary of the original Earth Day. In the time 
since last year's observance, our Nation has engaged in one of the most 
spirited debates ever about the environment. What this debate 
highlights is that there is a delicate balance between our Nation's 
overall well-being and the ecosystem in which we live. There can be no 
doubt that protecting the environment is important--the health and 
economic future of this country and its well being are dependent upon 
this essential investment.
  In my own city of Cleveland, we have much to be proud about when we 
consider the enormous gains the city has made with regards to our 
natural resources. Cleveland now enjoys a river and lake free from many 
pollutants and hazards. In addition, the region was recently advised by 
EPA that it now meets Federal health-based ozone standards. For many 
years it had not.
  Unfortunately, despite the progress that we have made to improve the 
environment across the Nation, under the new leadership in Congress, 
environmental progress and programs are now in question. In fact, I 
worry that in their efforts to enact the ``Contract With America'', our 
Republican colleagues seek to turn back the clock on environmental 
achievements by squandering this country's precious natural resources. 
A prime example of how low a priority the environment is on their 
agenda, the GOP Contract With America did not even contain the word 
environment. We know, however, of the contract's proposal for sweeping 
language calling for so-called ``Regulatory Reform'' that in fact would 
eliminate and cut back proven and essential regulations designed to 
protect the public health and environment.
  Further, Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Earth Day, the Congress has yet 
to resolve the fiscal year 1996 appropriations bill for the 
Environmental Protection Agency. The proposed reductions to critical 
EPA programs were among the key reasons that the President vetoed the 
bill when it was first passed by the Congress--not to mention the fact 
that this piece of legislation would roll back decades of progress in 
environmental protection. I commend the President for vetoing this 
bill.
  However, even after all that the Democrats in Congress and the 
administration have done to safeguard the environment, the assault 
against the environment is not over. While it appears that additional 
funds may be provided for the fiscal year 1996 EPA appropriations, 
harmful language is still included. Furthermore, our Republican 
colleagues are still pushing legislation that ultimately may reverse 
many environmental regulations.
  Mr. Speaker, Americans from all walks of life have let us know loud 
and clear that reversing this nation's progress toward clean streams 
and lakes, clean air, safe drinking water, food safety and other 
national environmental goals is not acceptable. Let us heed their call 
and enact genuine environmentally-safe legislation this Congress.

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