[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 53 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CELEBRATING EARTH DAY 2004

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                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2004

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today to acknowledge today, 
April 22, as Earth Day 2004. It is a day for Americans to recognize our 
responsibility to protect our environment and enhance our quality of 
life. Our air, water, land and other natural resources sustain human 
life, and it is our duty as stewards of this planet to safeguard these 
resources for us and for future generations.
  With the growth of eco-tourism, environmental protection and economic 
growth can both advance together. Protecting sensitive land not only 
preserves our natural heritage but enhances the value of surrounding 
areas and our quality of life. In South Texas I have helped protect 
numerous natural resources that grace this region. I secured funding to 
expand the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refugee and the 
Texas World Birding Center in Roma, Texas, and I continue to lead and 
support efforts to complete the Missions Trail in San Antonio and the 
Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail. In addition, I have 
supported legislation such as the Yellowstone Protection Act and the 
National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act to protect our precious 
national lands. Protecting these valuable resources is important, 
contributes to a healthy ecosystem, and provides enjoyment and 
recreation to hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
  I encourage every Texan to take a moment today to appreciate the 
natural beauty of our state and also to consider taking actions that 
can decrease pollution. Simple actions such as recycling, car-pooling, 
and turning off the television when no one is watching can contribute 
to large pollution reductions. Working with the entire community, 
individuals can help reduce pollution in Texas. Decreasing pollution 
levels can improve the lives of Texans and all Americans by reducing 
the number of pollution induced illnesses, such as asthma and cancer. 
Put simply, lowering pollution saves lives and increases economic 
productivity.
  As a nation, we are moving in the right direction. Pollution levels 
have greatly decreased since the first Earth Day in 1970, and we 
continue to achieve greater pollution control. I will continue fighting 
to reduce pollution and to protect our natural resources while building 
for a bright economic future. I believe that environmentalists and 
businesses can unite to develop strategies that can respect our health, 
ecosystem, and promote economic growth, and I look forward to achieving 
that goal.

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