[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 44 (Thursday, April 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E576]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             EARTH DAY 2002

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                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 2002

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 
the thirty-second annual Earth Day, a global holiday that acknowledges 
and emphasizes the importance of a clean, healthy, and safe world. This 
spring observation provides the people of our nation and those across 
the globe the opportunity to renew our dedication to the protection and 
preservation of our environment. We have a shared responsibility to 
conserve our diverse natural resources, and Earth Day allows us to 
demonstrate our commitment to the environment.
  While we have made significant progress since the first Earth Day 
celebration in 1970, we must continue our efforts to improve 
environmental quality. The Earth Day activities heighten awareness to 
the positive actions we can take to improve our environment, both 
locally and globally. The annual observance allows us the opportunity 
to applaud our progress, but more importantly, it allows us to renew 
our commitment to the continuing environmental challenges facing our 
planet.
  I would like to pay special tribute to my many constituents who are 
so active in their support of environmental causes. This is especially 
true during this month, with activities and programs to mark Earth Day 
in Takoma Park, Glen Echo, Potomac, Silver Spring, and throughout the 
region.
  I consider environmental protection to be a national priority. I 
pledge to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure the 
preservation of our natural resources and the protection of the public 
health. And on Earth Week, as we also mark the birthday of William 
Shakespeare, we recall his words, ``to nature none more bound.'' We 
must preserve and protect this treasure for future generations. This 
year, as we celebrate Earth Day 2002, let us reaffirm our commitment to 
a cleaner world.

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