[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             EARTH DAY 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 2009

  Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, almost forty years ago today, what was 
an idea to spread awareness about our environment has become global 
recognition and awareness of the importance of protecting the Earth. 
Earth Day began in 1970, when 20 million people participated across the 
U.S.
  Earth Day has grown into a global tradition, with a billion people 
expected to take part this year in 180 nations around the world.
  It is a movement that succeeds because of the passion of each 
individual, realizing that there's something bigger than ourselves--
that what each of us contribute can make a difference in our world, and 
on our environment.
  In Washington State, we take special pride in our natural resources, 
and I'm proud to follow in the footsteps of so many in our great State 
who have worked together to protect the outdoors and our environment.
  One of the popular, natural glories of my Congressional district in 
Washington State is the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, a 362,000 acre 
wilderness that sits just west of the Seattle metropolitan area. Just 
over a week ago, I joined the senior Senator from Washington State to 
discuss our recently introduced legislation to designate over 22,000 
acres of additional wilderness and institute federal protection for two 
pristine rivers in my district. Our new legislation will expand the 
boundary of the existing Alpine Lakes wilderness area to embrace 
important lower-elevation lands, and establish Wild and Scenic 
designations for the Pratt and parts of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie 
Rivers.
  Earth Day brings an excitement to the movement of protecting our 
environment, but we need to take the Earth Day movement from single-day 
actions--such as park cleanups and tree-planting parties--to longterm 
commitments in our everyday lives. Whether that is supporting 
legislation, or making small changes to be more environmentally 
conscious, each is equally important. These commitments will make a 
difference for our children and the generations to come.

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