[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.