    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [April 22, 2000]
    [Pages 759-760]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    April 22, 2000

        Good morning, and happy Earth Day. I've always thought it
    appropriate that Earth Day falls in this season of renewal and hope, as
    millions of Americans celebrate Easter and Passover. As we celebrate the
    first Earth Day of the 21st century, I want to challenge all of us to
    renew our commitment to protect and preserve God's precious gift to us,
    our earthly home.
        Last weekend in California I stood beneath a magnificent sequoia
    tree, more than 1,000 years old, to announce permanent protection for
    more than 30 giant sequoia groves. And I was grateful for every
    opportunity the Vice President and I have had to act as stewards of our
    environment over the last 7 years.
        All Americans can be proud of the tremendous progress we've made
    since the first Earth Day 30 years ago. Our air, water, and land are
    cleaner, and we've protected millions of acres of America's green
    places. But today I want to focus on the most critical environmental
    challenge we face in this new century, global warming.
        The 1990's were the hottest decade on record, and the first 3 months
    of 2000 were the hottest here in 100 years. Scientists say that the
    temperature rise is at least partly due to human activity, and that if
    left unchecked, climate change will result in more violent storms, more
    economic disruptions, and more permanent flooding of coastal areas.
        If we value our coastlines, our farm lands, and our vital
    biodiversity, we must build a national consensus to reduce our emissions
    of greenhouse gases and to help others around the world do the same. Our
    Government must lead by example.
        Today I'm announcing two Federal initiatives that point the way to a
    cleaner environment and a stronger economy. First, I'm issuing an
    Executive order requiring that Federal agencies reduce the amount of
    petroleum their vehicle fleets use by 20 percent in 5 years. We can do
    this with technology we already have. For example, the Postal Service
    has purchased 500 electric trucks and may purchase more than 5,000. Here
    in Washington, DC, 2,600 Federal and local government vehicles are
    running on clean natural gas or ethanol. Next month we'll open the first
    of seven gas stations offering those fuels here, and I'll order every
    White House vehicle that can use these fuels to make the switch. This
    Executive order will cut oil consumption by 45 million gallons a year,
    help stop global warming, and ease pressure on gas prices.
        Second, I'm also announcing new incentives to cut pollution and
    greenhouse gases while we help Federal workers across the country reduce
    the growing hassle of commuting. All Federal workers now will be able to
    set aside up to $65 tax-free every month to pay for public
    transportation. And in the Washington area, every Federal agency will
    actually fund some or all of its employees' public transportation costs.
        It is clear citizens and businesses across America are building
    support for a strong response to global warming. But one voice is still
    missing, the United States Congress. While the science on climate change
    has grown stronger and the need for American leadership has grown
    greater, some in Congress have buried their heads even deeper in the
    sand. I urge them to recognize that reversing global warming will
    strengthen our economy while safeguarding our future.
        In the next 20 years, the international energy market will reach $5
    trillion, and consumers everywhere increasingly will demand clean
    energy. We're the world leader in those technologies. We should be
    promoting them, not denying their need. Instead, for the past 7 years,
    Congress has blocked our initiatives to fight climate change and cut
    America's fuel bills.

    [[Page 760]]

        I'm deeply disappointed the Republican budget resolution just
    adopted fails again to support America's environmental priorities. And
    again I call on Congress to reverse its opposition and work with us to
    pass my $4-billion package of tax credits for energy-efficient homes,
    cars, and appliances, to invest in clean energy research, and to help us
    promote clean technology in developing countries. Congress should also
    end its opposition and help us improve the fuel economy of all our cars
    and trucks so Americans can have the vehicles they want with the
    efficiency they deserve.
        More than 100 years ago, the great American poet Henry Wadsworth
    Longfellow reminded us that ``nature is a revelation of God.'' This
    Earth Day, let us remember that we are only stewards, in our time, of
    the Earth God gave us for all time. And let us strengthen our resolve to
    preserve the beauty and the natural bounty that sustains us and must
    sustain generations yet to come.
        Happy holidays, and thanks for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 5:12 p.m. on April 21 in the East Room
    at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on April 22. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    April 21 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The
    Executive orders of April 21 on leadership in environmental management,
    Federal fleet and transportation efficiency, and Federal workforce
    transportation are listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.