[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 80 (Wednesday, April 25, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 24577-24578]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-10107]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 80 / Wednesday, April 25, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 24577]]


                Proclamation 8802 of April 20, 2012

                
Earth Day, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans came together 
                to celebrate the first Earth Day. Students, teachers, 
                activists, elected officials, and countless others 
                challenged our Nation to confront our most urgent 
                environmental issues and rallied around a single 
                message: the success of future generations depends upon 
                how we act today. As we commemorate Earth Day this 
                year, we reflect on the challenges that remain before 
                us and recommit to the spirit of togetherness and 
                shared responsibility that galvanized a movement 42 
                years ago.

                America rose to meet the call to action in the months 
                and years that followed the first Earth Day. We passed 
                the Clean Air, Clean Water, Endangered Species, and 
                Marine Mammal Protection Acts; founded the 
                Environmental Protection Agency; and ignited a spirit 
                of stewardship that has driven progress for over four 
                decades. Today, our air and water are cleaner, 
                pollution has been greatly reduced, and Americans 
                everywhere are living in a healthier environment.

                While we have made remarkable progress in protecting 
                our health and our natural heritage, we know our work 
                is not yet finished. Last July, my Administration 
                proposed the toughest fuel economy standards in our 
                Nation's history--standards that will save families 
                money at the pump, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and 
                significantly reduce our dependence on oil. In 
                December, we finalized the first-ever national 
                standards to limit mercury and other toxic emissions 
                from power plants, helping safeguard the health of 
                millions. We have taken action to protect and restore 
                our Nation's precious ecosystems, from the Gulf Coast 
                to the Great Lakes. And we continue to make landmark 
                investments in batteries, biofuels, and renewable 
                energy that are unlocking American innovation and 
                ensuring our Nation stays on the cutting edge. Our 
                country is on the path to economic recovery and 
                renewal, and moving forward, my Administration will 
                continue to fight for a healthy environment every step 
                of the way.

                As we work to leave our children a safe, sustainable 
                future, we must also equip them with the tools they 
                need to take on tomorrow's environmental challenges. 
                Supporting environmental literacy and a strong 
                foundation in science, technology, engineering, and 
                math for every student will help ensure our youth have 
                the skills and knowledge to advance our clean energy 
                economy. Last year, we launched the Department of 
                Education Green Ribbon Schools recognition award to 
                encourage more schools to pursue sustainability, foster 
                health and wellness, and integrate environmental 
                literacy into the curriculum. In the days ahead, we 
                look forward to awarding the first Green Ribbons and 
                recognizing the accomplishments of green schools across 
                our country.

                Forty-two years ago, a generation rallied together to 
                protect the earth we would inherit. As we reflect on 
                that historic day of activism and stewardship, let us 
                embrace our commitment to the generations yet to come 
                by leaving them a safe, clean world on which to make 
                their mark.

[[Page 24578]]

                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, 2012, as 
                Earth Day. I encourage all Americans to participate in 
                programs and activities that will protect our 
                environment and contribute to a healthy, sustainable 
                future.

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

[FR Doc. 2012-10107
Filed 4-24-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P