[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 79 (Thursday, April 24, 2014)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 22853-22854]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-09532]



[[Page 22851]]

Vol. 79

Thursday,

No. 79

April 24, 2014

Part II





The President





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Proclamation 9106--Earth Day, 2014
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  Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 79 / Thursday, April 24, 2014 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

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                Proclamation 9106 of April 21, 2014

                
Earth Day, 2014

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Over four decades ago, Americans from all walks of life 
                came together to tackle a shared challenge. Pollution 
                damaged our health and livelihoods--from children 
                swimming in contaminated streams to workers exposed to 
                dangerous chemicals to city residents living under a 
                thick haze of smog. The first Earth Day was a call to 
                action for every citizen, every family, and every 
                public official. It gave voice to the conservation 
                movement, led to the creation of the Environmental 
                Protection Agency, and pushed our Nation to adopt 
                landmark laws on clean air and water. This Earth Day, 
                we remember that when Americans unite in common 
                purpose, we can overcome any obstacle.

                Today, we face another problem that threatens us all. 
                The overwhelming judgment of science tells us that 
                climate change is altering our planet in ways that will 
                have profound impacts on all of humankind. Already, 
                longer wildfire seasons put first responders at greater 
                risk. Farmers must cope with increased soil erosion 
                following heavy downpours and greater stresses from 
                weeds, plant diseases, and insect pests. Increasingly 
                severe weather patterns strain infrastructure and 
                damage our communities, especially low-income 
                communities, which are disproportionately vulnerable 
                and have few resources to prepare. The consequences of 
                climate change will only grow more dire in the years to 
                come.

                That is why, last year, I took executive action to 
                prepare our Nation for the impacts of climate change. 
                As my Administration works to build a more resilient 
                country, we also remain committed to averting the most 
                catastrophic effects. Since I took office, America has 
                increased the electricity it produces from solar energy 
                by more than tenfold, tripled the electricity it 
                generates from wind energy, and brought carbon 
                pollution to its lowest levels in nearly two decades. 
                In the international community, we are working with our 
                partners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions around the 
                globe. Along with States, utilities, health groups, and 
                advocates, we will develop commonsense and achievable 
                carbon pollution standards for our biggest pollution 
                source--power plants.

                We are also taking on environmental challenges by 
                increasing fuel efficiency, restoring public lands, and 
                curbing emissions of mercury and other toxic chemicals. 
                We are safeguarding the water our families drink and 
                the waterways and oceans that sustain our livelihoods. 
                This February, we proposed new standards to protect 
                farm workers from dangerous pesticides. And because 
                caring for our planet requires commitment from all of 
                us, we are engaging organizations, businesses, and 
                individuals in these efforts.

                As we mark this observance, let us reflect on the 
                mission of the first Earth Day and recall our power to 
                forge a cleaner, healthier future. Let us accept our 
                responsibilities to future generations and meet today's 
                tests with the same energy, passion, and sense of 
                purpose.

                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, 2014, as 
                Earth Day. I encourage all Americans to participate in 
                programs and

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                activities that will protect our environment and 
                contribute to a healthy, sustainable future.

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

[FR Doc. 2014-09532
Filed 4-23-14; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F4