[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 27, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            COMMEMORATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF EARTH DAY

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                               speech of

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2010

  Mr. KIND. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this 
resolution to honor one of Wisconsin's greatest Senators, the late 
Gaylord Nelson, the founder of Earth Day. Tomorrow, we will celebrate 
the 40th anniversary of this important day, and just as Senator Nelson 
envisioned, people across the country will reflect on the importance of 
conservation and environmental stewardship.
  When Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day 40 years ago, environmental 
protection was an issue of little importance to most Americans. Today, 
I know he would be proud to see how far we've come. Thanks to his 
foresight and leadership, environmental stewardship is one of the top 
issues in American politics and society.
  Not only has the issue risen here in Washington, but now American 
citizens and businesses large and small are doing their part to protect 
our environment and create the innovative industries of the future. 
Public and private investment in green technology and renewable energy 
can reduce our dependence on foreign oil, re-invigorate our economy, 
and create new jobs. In fact, the area I represent in western Wisconsin 
has abundant natural resources that could help the area become a leader 
in clean energy innovation.
  As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, it is important to 
realize that as good stewards of the planet, we must work to do our 
part to conserve energy, restore our environment and take care of this 
place we call home. We can all do more to lower our carbon footprints. 
Simple steps such as using energy-saving light bulbs, increasing the 
sustainability of our homes, carpooling with others in the 
neighborhood, and recycling our trash are all important ways we can 
lessen our energy consumption and preserve our environment for future 
generations.
  Senator Nelson's legacy is alive and well today, especially in 
Wisconsin and I will continue to carry it forward in Congress and I 
hope that people in western Wisconsin and across the country will 
remember it in the work they do and the way they lead their lives. 
Together we ensure a safe, clean, and abundant natural world for our 
children.

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