[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 82 (Thursday, April 28, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 23685-23686]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-10397]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 82 / Thursday, April 28, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 23685]]

                Proclamation 8657 of April 22, 2011

                
Earth Day, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                For over 40 years, our Nation has come together on 
                Earth Day to appreciate and raise awareness about our 
                environment, natural heritage, and the resources upon 
                which generations of Americans have depended. Healthy 
                land and clean water and air are essential to the 
                health of our communities and wildlife. Earth Day is an 
                opportunity to renew America's commitment to preserving 
                and protecting the state of our environment through 
                community service and responsible stewardship.

                From the purity of the air we breathe and the water we 
                drink to the condition of the land where we live, work, 
                and play, the vitality of our natural resources has a 
                profound influence on the well-being of our families 
                and the strength of our economy. Our Nation has a proud 
                conservation tradition, which includes countless 
                individuals who have worked to safeguard our natural 
                legacy and ensure our children can benefit from these 
                resources. Looking to the future of our planet, 
                American leadership will continue to be pivotal as we 
                confront the environmental challenges that threaten the 
                health of both our country and the globe.

                Today, our world faces the major global environmental 
                challenge of a changing climate. Our entire planet must 
                address this problem because no nation, however large 
                or small, wealthy or poor, can escape the impact of 
                climate change. The United States can be a leader in 
                reducing the dangerous pollution that causes global 
                warming and can propel these advances by investing in 
                the clean energy technologies, markets, and practices 
                that will empower us to win the future.

                While our changing climate requires international 
                leadership, global action on clean energy and climate 
                change must be joined with local action. Every American 
                deserves the cleanest air, the safest water, and 
                unpolluted land, and each person can take steps to 
                protect those precious resources. When we reduce 
                environmental hazards, especially in our most 
                overburdened and polluted cities and neighborhoods, we 
                prioritize the health of our families, and move towards 
                building the clean energy economy of the 21st century.

                To meet this responsibility, Federal and local programs 
                will continue to ensure our Nation's clean air and 
                water laws are effective, that our communities are 
                protected from contaminated sites and other pollution, 
                and that our children are safe from chemicals, toxins, 
                and other environmental threats. Partnerships and 
                community-driven strategies, like those highlighted by 
                the America's Great Outdoors Initiative, are vital to 
                building a future where children have access to outdoor 
                places close to their homes; where our rural working 
                lands and waters are conserved and restored; and our 
                parks, forests, waters, and other natural areas are 
                protected for future generations.

                On Earth Day, we recognize the role that each of us can 
                play in preserving our natural heritage. To protect our 
                environment, keep our communities healthy, and help 
                develop the economy of the future, I encourage all 
                Americans to visit www.WhiteHouse.Gov/EarthDay to learn 
                ways to protect and preserve our environment for 
                centuries to come.

[[Page 23686]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim April 22, 2011, as 
                Earth Day. I encourage all Americans to participate in 
                service programs and activities that will protect our 
                environment and contribute to a prosperous, healthy, 
                and sustainable future.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-second day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-10397
Filed 4-27-11; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P