[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 22, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H4589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               EARTH DAY

  (Mrs. DAHLKEMPER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Mr. Speaker, 39 years ago, then-Senator Gaylord 
Nelson from Wisconsin established a day on which millions of Americans 
across the country could demonstrate their support for the most 
precious resources we have, a healthy, sustainable environment.
  For nearly four decades tens of millions of Americans continue on 
this tradition every April 22, a day we call Earth Day.
  I want to acknowledge the commitment and vision of the millions of 
forward-thinking citizens who use this day to do their part, whether 
planting a tree, picking up litter, or teaching their children what 
they can do each day to better the world. Each and every one of these 
individuals is playing a crucial role as we work to meet the challenges 
that we all face as a Nation and as a world.
  Mr. Speaker, I have always been a proponent of the environment. In 
fact, I founded and operated the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park 
in Erie, Pennsylvania, and I have tried to impart upon my children the 
important role they can play in meeting the environmental challenges of 
the 21st century.
  In the House of Representatives, I'm proud to continue this work as 
we take proactive steps to protect our environment and our way of life.
  This week we will consider the National Water Research and 
Development Initiative Act to help improve our environment by securing 
fresh, clean water for all Americans. To this end, I'm very proud to 
have attached my amendment that encourages reuse and recycling of our 
water to promote conservation and sustainability for generations to 
come.
  Thank you to all Americans and those around the world doing their 
part not only today--Earth Day--but each and every day.

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