[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8364--APR. 22, 2009

Proclamation 8364 of April 22, 2009
Earth Day, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

The story of the United States is inextricably tied to our vital natural
resources. As we enter a new era filled with challenges and promise, we
must protect our land, wildlife, water and air-the resources that

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have fueled our growth and prosperity as a Nation and enriched our
lives. Doing this not only fulfills a sacred obligation to our children
and grandchildren, but also provides an opportunity to stimulate
economic growth.
To achieve these ends, no issue deserves more immediate attention than
global warming. Scientists have already observed alarming shifts in the
natural world, including thawing permafrost, melting glaciers, and
rising sea levels.
Climate change presents a serious test for humankind, but it also
provides an opportunity for great innovation and adaptation. The United
States has risen to such challenges before, and Earth Day inspires us to
transcend differences among nations so we may lead the world in
protecting our planet from this global threat.
Americans across the country are working hard to help limit the
pollutants that cause climate change and reduce their impact on the
environment, but we must do more. Individuals and organizations can
plant trees, use energy efficient lightbulbs, drive fuel efficient cars,
hold clean-up drives, and teach young people about environmental
preservation. Small changes in our daily lives can have a big impact on
our environment. Individuals can walk, bike, and use public
transportation; buy products with less packaging; and recycle and reuse
paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum more often. American families can
also save money by choosing energy efficient products, turning lights
off, unplugging appliances, and cutting back on heating and air
conditioning.
Government and business alike must also take serious and sustained
action to protect our valuable natural inheritance. Through investments
in scientific research and development, and the vigorous pursuit of
alternative and renewable energy, we can create millions of green jobs
that allow us to reduce greenhouse gases and excel in a competitive
global economy. My Administration is committed to increasing fuel
economy standards and putting more Plug-In Hybrid cars on the road,
weatherizing millions of homes, and catalyzing private efforts to build
a clean energy future. My Administration is also working to achieve a
comprehensive energy and climate policy, one that will lessen our
dependence on foreign oil, make the U.S. the global leader in clean
energy technology, and prevent the worst impacts of climate change.
President Theodore Roosevelt emphasized our obligation to future
Americans, saying, ``of all the questions which can come before this
nation, short of the actual preservation of its existence in a great
war, there is none which compares in importance with the great central
task of leaving this land even a better land for our descendants than it
is for us.'' Heeding President Roosevelt's call, and carrying forward
his spirit of determination, we must commit ourselves to protecting our
environment and ensuring the health of our planet so we may share the
magnificent blessings of our Earth with our grandchildren.
We do this not only to acknowledge the environment's central role in the
development of our Nation but also to recognize the strong ecological
interdependence among nations. History has shown that as we sow, so too
shall we reap. Let us rededicate ourselves to a world that provides
bountiful harvests for us all not just today, but for many generations
to come.

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NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 22, 2009, as Earth
Day. I encourage all citizens to help protect our environment and
contribute to a healthy, sustainable world.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
BARACK OBAMA