[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8802--APR. 20, 2012

Proclamation 8802 of April 20, 2012

Earth Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans came together to celebrate the
first Earth Day. Students, teachers, activists, elected officials, and
countless others challenged our Nation to confront our most urgent
environmental issues and rallied around a single message: the success of
future generations depends upon how we act today. As we commemorate
Earth Day this year, we reflect on the challenges that remain before us
and recommit to the spirit of togetherness and shared responsibility
that galvanized a movement 42 years ago.
America rose to meet the call to action in the months and years that
followed the first Earth Day. We passed the Clean Air, Clean Water,
Endangered Species, and Marine Mammal Protection Acts; founded the
Environmental Protection Agency; and ignited a spirit of stewardship
that has driven progress for over four decades. Today, our air and


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water
are cleaner, pollution has been greatly reduced, and Americans
everywhere are living in a healthier environment.
While we have made remarkable progress in protecting our health and our
natural heritage, we know our work is not yet finished. Last July, my
Administration proposed the toughest fuel economy standards in our
Nation's history--standards that will save families money at the pump,
cut greenhouse gas emissions, and significantly reduce our dependence on
oil. In December, we finalized the first-ever national standards to
limit mercury and other toxic emissions from power plants, helping
safeguard the health of millions. We have taken action to protect and
restore our Nation's precious ecosystems, from the Gulf Coast to the
Great Lakes. And we continue to make landmark investments in batteries,
biofuels, and renewable energy that are unlocking American innovation
and ensuring our Nation stays on the cutting edge. Our country is on the
path to economic recovery and renewal, and moving forward, my
Administration will continue to fight for a healthy environment every
step of the way.
As we work to leave our children a safe, sustainable future, we must
also equip them with the tools they need to take on tomorrow's
environmental challenges. Supporting environmental literacy and a strong
foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math for every
student will help ensure our youth have the skills and knowledge to
advance our clean energy economy. Last year, we launched the Department
of Education Green Ribbon Schools recognition award to encourage more
schools to pursue sustainability, foster health and wellness, and
integrate environmental literacy into the curriculum. In the days ahead,
we look forward to awarding the first Green Ribbons and recognizing the
accomplishments of green schools across our country.
Forty-two years ago, a generation rallied together to protect the earth
we would inherit. As we reflect on that historic day of activism and
stewardship, let us embrace our commitment to the generations yet to
come by leaving them a safe, clean world on which to make their mark.
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, 2012, as
Earth Day. I encourage all Americans to participate in programs and
activities that will protect our environment and contribute to a
healthy, sustainable future.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA