[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 56 (Thursday, April 22, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E753]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               EARTH DAY

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 1999

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, Earth Day reminds us all that environmental 
issues know no political bounds and affects all of the people, plants, 
and animals of the world community. It is essential that the policies 
our Government enacts, and the personal activities we undertake reflect 
our profound concern for safeguarding the Earth.
  From combating global climate change to protecting threatened species 
to providing clean water, we have a duty to act locally and globally to 
protect the environment for present and future generations.
  Saving the planet may seem to be an insurmountable task, but in order 
for our children to have a brighter future we must commit ourselves to 
an environmental policy which seeks to establish a clean, safe, and 
productive environment.
  The 106th Congress is working to preserve and protect our Nation's 
open spaces by reinvigorating the Land and Water Conservation Fund. 
Designed to protect our Nation's natural heritage, the Land and Water 
Conservation Fund is a vital program which has saved thousands of acres 
of forest, miles of river, and many of America's mountain ranges. 
However, this Congress has seen the importance of this program and the 
unfinished work which still lies ahead. In the face of issues of 
pollution and urban sprawl, the 106th Congress has responded by looking 
to preserve our Nation's greenways.
  Moreover, we must not forget the air we breathe, our most precious 
resource. Americans can clearly see, smell, and feel the difference 
that pollution has made in their lives. As a strong supporter of the 
Clean Air Act, I recognize the need for clean air standards. By 
encouraging innovation, cooperation, and the development of new 
technologies for pollution reduction, these standards build upon the 
spirit of ingenuity that is the foundation of America's leadership in 
the world.
  As chairman of the House International Relations Committee, I 
understand the importance of using our leadership in the United States 
to assist other countries in developing and maintain successful 
environmental programs. I personally have led efforts to protect whales 
from commercial hunting and to protect African elephants from the 
deadly effect of the international ivory trade. I have also been in the 
forefront in bringing greater awareness to the linkages between 
refugees, world hunger and national security to environmental 
degradation. In addition, if we do not assist in the survival of 
indigenous and tribal people, their wealth of traditional knowledge and 
their important habitats will no longer be available for the rest of 
mankind.
  Earth Day is a successful incentive for ongoing environmental 
education, action, and change. Earth Day activities address worldwide 
environmental concerns and offer opportunities for individuals and 
communities to focus on their local environmental problems. I have 
requested funding for the Hudson Valley national heritage area, which 
would help preserve the history, culture, and traditions of this 
beautiful region. I am also proud to note that my 20th District of New 
York is home to the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, one of the 
country's leading climate study institutions.
  Earth Day is a powerful catalyst for people to make a difference 
toward a clean, healthy, prosperous future. We cannot continue with the 
attitude that someone else will clean up after us. We need to take care 
of our world today. I cannot think of a better day to commit to this 
worthy goal than today, Earth Day. I salute the people who observe 
Earth Day in all ways large and small.

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