[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5833]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                               EARTH DAY

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2000

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, Earth Day serves to remind us all that 
environmental issues know no political bounds and affect all of the 
people, plants, and animals of the world community. It is essential 
that the policies our government enacts, and the personal activities we 
undertake reflect our profound concern for safeguarding the Earth.
  From combating global climate change to protecting threatened species 
to providing clean water, we have a duty to act locally and globally to 
protect the environment for our present and future generations.
  Saving the planet may seem to be an insurmountable task, but in order 
for our children to have a brighter future we must commit ourselves to 
an environmental policy which seeks to establish a clean, safe, and 
productive environment.
  The 106th Congress is working to preserve and protect our Nation's 
open spaces by reinvigorating the land and water conservation fund. 
Designed to protect our nation's natural heritage, the land and water 
conservation fund is a vital program which has saved thousands of acres 
of forest, miles of river, and many of America's mountain ranges. In 
the face of pollution and urban sprawl, the 106th Congress has 
responded by looking to preserve our nation's greenways.
  We must not forget that the air we breathe is our most precious 
resource. Americans can clearly see, smell and feel the difference that 
pollution has made in their lives. As a strong supporter of the Clean 
Air Act, I fully understand the need for clean air standards. By 
encouraging innovation, cooperation, and the development of new 
technologies for pollution reduction, these standards build upon the 
spirit of ingenuity that is the foundation of America's leadership in 
the world.
  As chairman of the International Relations Committee, I understand 
the importance of using our leadership in the United States to assist 
other nations in developing and maintaining successful environmental 
programs.
  I personally have led efforts to protect whales from commercial 
hunting and to protect African elephants from the deadly effect of the 
international ivory trade. I have also been in the forefront in 
bringing greater awareness to the linkages between refugees, world 
hunger and national security to environmental degradation. Moreover, if 
we do not assist in the survival of indigenous and tribal people, their 
wealth of traditional knowledge and their important habitats will no 
longer be available for the rest of mankind.
  Earth Day is a successful vehicle and incentive for ongoing 
environmental education, action and change. Earth Day activities 
address worldwide environmental concerns and offer opportunities for 
individuals and communities to focus on their local environmental 
problems.
  During the 106th Congress, I worked with the New York State's 
Governor Pataki and the citizens of New York's 20th Congressional 
District to save thousands of acres of precious lands, such as Sterling 
Forest, the Gaisman Estate, and Clausland Mountain. I have requested 
funding for the Hudson Valley National Heritage Area, which would help 
preserve the history, culture and traditions of this beautiful region. 
I am also proud to note that our 20th Congressional District of New 
York is home to the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, one of the 
country's leading climate study institutions, which I have been pleased 
to support.
  Earth Day is a powerful catalyst for people to make a difference 
toward a clean, healthy, prosperous future. We cannot continue with the 
attitude that someone else will clean up after us. We need to take care 
of our world today. I cannot think of a better way and a better day to 
commit to our environmental concerns than Earth Day. I salute all who 
observe Earth Day in all ways large and small.

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