[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7329]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    IN CELEBRATION OF EARTH DAY 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 1999

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and ask my colleagues to join me 
in a commitment to the preservation of our environment as we celebrate 
Earth Day 1999.
  We have made great strides in the conservation of our dwindling 
wilderness resources. I would like to thank Forest Service Chief 
Michael Dombeck for his decision to halt new road construction in 
roadless forest areas across the United States, and for his continued 
leadership in the preservation of these irreplaceable resources.
  As someone who cares about protecting our environment, it has been 
frustrating to watch my colleagues in the majority pepper 
appropriations bills with language which would never pass Congress on 
its own merits. These special interest riders historically benefit only 
a few wealthy landowners and private interests; they do nothing for the 
good of our environment.
  I ask my colleagues to join me and vote against any bill that will do 
damage to our environment. Our policies should help us to leave a 
legacy of clean air and water to our children and teach them the value 
of leaving that legacy to their children. I would sincerely hope that 
my colleagues share in my concern. Otherwise, they will take their 
place in history as the party that allowed the destruction of our 
nation's greatest resources.
  Let's work together to ensure an environment in which our children 
can thrive.

                          ____________________