[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 22, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H1535-H1536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      COUNTDOWN TO EARTH DAY 2016

  (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, to mark this first week of spring, this week 
I launched a Countdown to Earth Day 2016 across our congressional 
district, a district that encompasses the largest watershed in the 
entire Great Lakes, that flows into Lake Erie.
  With greater rainfall causing rising nutrient runoff and with 
millions of people and livestock inhabiting this watershed, the 
persistent and growing challenge of algal blooms into Lake Erie 
threatens our precious freshwater supply.
  This 21st century challenge is one we must meet. Thus, each week 
until Earth Day, April 22, I intend to focus on practical ways citizens 
can help to restore our ecosystem.
  This week our focus is people helping pollinators, as pollinators--
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds--are key to abundant plant growth in a 
region that needs less erosion, more wetland filtration, better land 
and plant management. And one of three foods you eat is dependent on 
pollinators.
  Citizen plantings of staple garden standards such as parsley, dill, 
fennel, and other herbs contribute to pollinator support and ecosystem 
health. They are landing pads for the growth of caterpillars and other 
beneficial insects.
  Everyone can help. For that reason, I encourage all Americans to get 
outside, enjoy the new spring, restore our environment, and plant 
helpful herbs in your gardens and properties to pass

[[Page H1536]]

on a healthier ecosystem to the next generation.

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