[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 17, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H2456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                              {time}  1115
                         CELEBRATING EARTH DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Virginia (Ms. McClellan) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Earth Day, 
which will be on Monday, a day to honor and celebrate our remarkable 
planet.
  Earth Day is an important opportunity to renew our commitment to 
combating climate change, transitioning to a clean-energy future, 
promoting conservation and sustainability, and advancing environmental 
justice.
  We face serious environmental challenges across the globe, from 
preventing sea level rise on the coasts to combating the destruction of 
natural habitats in the Arctic and everything in between.
  Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris administration, 
Congressional Democrats made historic climate progress over the past 
few years, including the largest investment in climate action and clean 
energy in our Nation's history.
  The Inflation Reduction Act is creating hundreds of thousands of 
good-paying jobs of the future, and as we continue to transition to 
cleaner, more sustainable technologies, we are working to ensure that 
everyone can benefit from these investments and that no one is left 
behind.
  The Biden-Harris administration is complementing our efforts with 
transformative executive actions that include finalizing strong 
standards that cut greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard our 
communities.
  Thanks to the administration, we have taken historic action to reduce 
methane emissions; strengthen standards for soot; limit emissions from 
cars, trucks, and buses; and curb PFAS, or forever chemical, 
contamination.
  In the coming weeks, we look forward to a strong final rule for 
Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for power plants. Last year, I led 
over 50 Members of Congress in urging the administration to finalize 
strong standards that will protect the health and well-being of the 
American people, and we eagerly await that final rule.
  I commend the administration for their commitment to ensuring that 40 
percent of the overall benefits of Federal investments in climate, 
clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other key areas 
flow to historically disadvantaged communities that have been 
disproportionately impacted by climate change and pollution.
  For too long, low-income communities, communities of color, our 
Tribal and indigenous communities, have borne the brunt of 
environmental degradation and our worsening climate. The climate crisis 
exacerbates longstanding inequities and contributes to worse public 
health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
  My predecessor, the late Donald McEachin, was a true environmental 
justice champion who always stood up for these vulnerable populations. 
Each year, he would lead a resolution to recognize Earth Day and call 
for action to protect our planet. This week, I look forward to building 
on his legacy and helping to reintroduce that resolution to honor Earth 
Day.
  As a mother to two young children, I am fighting to ensure a healthy, 
more sustainable future for my children and yours. Earth Day is a 
reminder that we have no planet B. We must continue fighting to protect 
our Earth and protect our next generation.

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