[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 56 (Thursday, April 22, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         EARTH DAY CELEBRATION

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                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 1999

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 
the twenty-ninth annual Earth Day. This spring observation provides the 
people of our nation and across the globe the opportunity to renew our 
dedication to environmental protection. We as a nation have a shared 
responsibility to preserve our vast and diverse natural resources. I 
have a longstanding commitment to conservation and environmental 
protection, and I am pleased to join in today's celebration.
  While we have made significant progress since the first Earth Day 
celebration in 1970, we must continue our efforts to improve 
environmental quality. It is my belief that Earth Day activities 
heighten awareness about actions that we can take to improve our 
environment, both locally and globally. Today's observation offers us 
the opportunity to acclaim our progress, but more importantly, it 
allows us to renew our commitment to the challenges facing our planet.
  Earth Day festivities take place all across the country. I would like 
to pay special tribute to my constituents in Montgomery County, 
Maryland who are so active in their support of environmental causes. 
This is especially true during this month, with activities and programs 
like the Earth Day Fair in Bethesda, the various stream cleanups across 
the county, and the Arbor Day celebration in Derwood.
  I consider environmental protection to be national priority. I pledge 
to work with my colleagues to ensure the preservation of our natural 
resources and the protection of the public's health. And this Earth 
Week, as we also celebrate the 435th birthday of William Shakespeare, 
we remember his words, ''to nature none more bound.`` Today, as we 
observe Earth Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to a cleaner world.

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