    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [April 20, 2007]
    [Page 463]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Earth Day
    April 20, 2007

        As we observe the 38th Earth Day this Sunday, we celebrate the rich
    blessings of our Nation's natural resources, and we renew our commitment
    to protecting our environment so we leave our children and grandchildren
    a flourishing land.
        By encouraging cooperative conservation, innovation, and new
    technologies, my administration has compiled a strong environmental
    record. This Earth Day, harmful air pollutant levels are down more than
    10 percent since 2001. Millions more Americans are drinking cleaner,
    safer water. We have removed hazardous fuels from more than 19 million
    acres of Federal land. We have created, restored, or protected more than
    2.5 million acres of wetlands, and we have conserved almost 200 million
    of acres of habitat through farm bill conservation programs. And we are
    taking positive steps to confront the important challenge of climate
    change. Our work is not done. We also have a responsibility to pass on
    to future generations our commitment to the environment.
        To do so, we must ensure that future generations have a strong
    connection to nature. This will require working together to protect and
    conserve not only nationally significant natural wonders but also local
    parks, ponds, and working lands where parents and mentors can teach
    young people about the outdoors through recreational activities such as
    fishing, hunting, biking, and nature watching. And we must also
    encourage Americans of all ages to get involved in conservation-related
    volunteer activities.
        I call on all Americans to commemorate this Earth Day by
    recommitting to being good stewards of our land and oceans. When we do
    so, we take an important step forward to a more vibrant future for our
    country.