[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 46 (Thursday, April 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               EARTH DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. WALTER H. CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 1997

  Mr. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, the main reason I am an environmentalist is 
because of a little guy named David--my grandson. Environmentalism is 
all about what we leave him and his generation.
  The district that I live in and represent is one of the most 
beautiful places on earth--the central coast of California. Living in 
Santa Barbara, the birthplace of the environmental movement, has taught 
me a vital lesson. It has taught me that wilderness, nature, and open 
space has a value beyond what money can measure. While nature can be 
measured for its trees that can be cut, its fish that can be caught, 
and its ore that can be mined, its value is priceless as a resource 
that renews the human spirit.
  For this reason, the protection of our public lands is such an 
important concept. All Americans regardless of where they live, must 
have access to the natural beauty of this Nation.
  The more time that we spend in cars and offices, moving too quickly 
to think, the more our spirits require the rejuvenation that comes from 
being outside in fresh air surrounded by beautiful sights. That is what 
I have enjoyed in my district for three decades. I want to ensure our 
future generations have the same opportunity.
  We are all responsible for the stewardship of our resources--
conservationists farmers, ranchers, outdoorsmen, and sportsmen. We must 
use our resources wisely--in a manner that does not destroy the 
environment in which we must continue to live. While the strategies for 
putting that stewardship action are always an issue of vigorous debate, 
we must work together and remember that the only end game is ensuring a 
healthy environment for our posterity.
  Earth Day serves the purpose of reminding us all of our common 
responsibilities of good stewardship. Today, we can forget all else and 
focus on this end--passing on these priceless resources to our 
grandchildren and our grandchildren's children. It is our 
responsibility to ensure that they too can live in and find refuge in a 
healthy natural world. Our children deserve nothing less.

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