[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 16 (Thursday, January 31, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 440--RECOGNIZING SOIL AS AN ESSENTIAL NATURAL 
    RESOURCE, AND SOILS PROFESSIONALS AS PLAYING A CRITICAL ROLE IN 
                  MANAGING OUR NATION'S SOIL RESOURCES

  Mr. BROWN (for himself and Mr. Voinovich) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry:

                              S. Res. 440

       Whereas soil, plant, animal, and human health are 
     intricately linked and the sustainable use of soil affects 
     climate, water and air quality, human health, biodiversity, 
     food safety, and agricultural production;
       Whereas soil is a dynamic system which performs many 
     functions and services vital to human activities and 
     ecosystems;
       Whereas, despite soil's importance to human health, the 
     environment, nutrition and food, feed, fiber, and fuel 
     production, there is little public awareness of the 
     importance of soil protection;
       Whereas the degradation of soil can be rapid, while the 
     formation and regeneration processes can be very slow;
       Whereas protection of United States soil based on the 
     principles of preservation and enhancement of soil functions, 
     prevention of soil degradation, mitigation of detrimental 
     use, and restoration of degraded soils is essential to the 
     long-term prosperity of the United States;
       Whereas legislation in the areas of organic, industrial, 
     chemical, biological, and medical waste pollution prevention 
     and control should consider soil protection provisions;
       Whereas legislation on climate change, water quality, 
     agriculture, and rural development should offer a coherent 
     and effective legislative framework for common principles and 
     objectives that are aimed at protection and sustainable use 
     of soils in the United States;
       Whereas soil contamination coupled with poor or 
     inappropriate soil management practices continues to leave 
     contaminated sites unremediated; and
       Whereas soil can be managed in a sustainable manner, which 
     preserves its capacity to deliver ecological, economic, and 
     social benefits, while maintaining its value for future 
     generations: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes it as necessary to improve knowledge, 
     exchange information, and develop and implement best 
     practices for soil management, soil restoration, carbon 
     sequestration, and long-term use of the Nation's soil 
     resources;
       (2) recognizes the important role of soil scientists and 
     soils professionals, who are well-equipped with the 
     information and experience needed to address the issues of 
     today and those of tomorrow in managing the Nation's soil 
     resources;
       (3) commends soil scientists and soils professionals for 
     their efforts to promote education, outreach, and awareness 
     necessary for generating more public interest in and 
     appreciation for soils; and
       (4) acknowledges the promise of soil scientists and soils 
     professionals to continue to enrich the lives of all 
     Americans by improving stewardship of the soil, combating 
     soil degradation, and ensuring the future protection and 
     sustainable use of our air, soil, and water resources.

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