[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 140 (Friday, October 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JOHN H. ADAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 28, 2005

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the legacy of John 
H. Adams, co-founder and president of the Natural Resources Defense 
Council (NRDC). In 1970, with a small group of lawyers, he created the 
non-profit NRDC to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places, and 
ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things. As NRDC 
celebrates its 35th anniversary, Mr. Adams prepares to step down as its 
president and continue as a senior advisor, pursuing special projects 
on those issues about which he cares most passionately.
  Mr. Adams brought together lawyers, scientists, and policy experts to 
help build, enforce and reinforce the solid foundation of federal 
statutes that have provided a legal basis for protecting the 
environment. Mr. Adams' tenure with the organization encompasses the 
creation of pioneering laws like the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, as 
well as more recent battles over global warming and energy security.
  Nationally and internationally, NRDC became a leader in the fight 
against acid rain, water pollution, and urban smog. The organization 
has fostered stronger protections for our oceans, coasts, natural 
landscapes, forests, and wildlife. Under Mr. Adams' guidance, the New 
York-based NRDC has become one of the world's most effective advocacy 
organizations, with more than 1 million members and activists and a 
staff of nearly 300.
  Along with his efforts as president of NRDC for 35 years, Mr. Adams 
taught for 26 years as an adjunct faculty member at New York University 
Law School, where he created the NYC/NRDC Environmental Law Clinic. He 
is chairman of the board of the Open Space Institute, created for the 
protection of land in New York State. He also serves on boards of the 
Woods Hole Research center, League of Conservation Voters, Centers for 
American Progress, American Conservation Association, and the Duke 
University's Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions.
  In addition to his great professional success and public service, Mr. 
Adams is fortunate to share his life with his wife Patricia, to whom he 
has been married 40 years. Together, they have three grown children.
  I commend John H. Adams for his 35 years of protecting the 
environment, safeguarding our natural resources and protecting our 
public health. He has created an environmental legacy that will serve 
to benefit the citizens of the United States for generations to come.

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