[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 64 (Friday, April 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E809]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF EARTH DAY 2007

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                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 20, 2007

  Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Earth Day, 
which we will celebrate April 22, 2007. On the very first Earth Day in 
1970, 20 million Americans stood together for the environment. They 
filled our country's streets, parks, and auditoriums to announce their 
dedication to protecting the earth, and they asked their government to 
stand with them.
  What began 37 years ago as a grassroots movement in the United States 
has now spread to 175 countries, and is observed each year by 500 
million people worldwide. The importance of Earth Day is underscored by 
the threat of global climate change. As the Intergovernmental Panel on 
Climate Change concluded with near certainty this February, people are 
a large part of the problem, but we are also capable of coming up with 
solutions.
  I am proud that the new House Select Committee on Energy Independence 
and Global Warming met this week for the first time. I commend the 
Speaker for making this issue a priority, and I commend the new panel's 
members for their efforts in moving us towards solutions to the problem 
of global climate change.
  The City of Chicago is leading the way in transitioning to a ``green-
friendly'' world and is now a model for other cities across the 
country. Chicago is among the largest users of green energy in the 
country, and the city has set a goal of using renewable energy for 
roughly a quarter of city operations.
  As part of the process, Chicago has attracted two solar panel 
manufacturers to the city. Additionally, Chicago has planted or 
negotiated the construction of over 2 million square feet of rooftop 
gardens, more than all other U.S. cities combined.
  Madam Speaker, I recognize that as a member of Congress and a father, 
we have a duty to preserve our Nation's environmental treasures for 
generations to come. This Earth Day, I hope that we can build on the 
momentum of my hometown and work together to improve the outlook for 
our planet and make this a better place for our children. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in celebrating this Earth Day, and many more to 
come.

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