    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9106--APR. 21, 2014

    Proclamation 9106 of April 21, 2014

    Earth Day, 2014

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    Over four decades ago, Americans from all walks of life came together to
    tackle a shared challenge. Pollution damaged our health and
    livelihoods--from children swimming in contaminated streams to workers
    exposed to dangerous chemicals to city residents living under a thick
    haze of smog. The first Earth Day was a call to action for every
    citizen, every family, and every public official. It gave voice to the
    conservation movement, led to the creation of the Environmental
    Protection Agency, and pushed our Nation to adopt landmark laws on clean
    air and water. This Earth Day, we remember that when Americans unite in
    common purpose, we can overcome any obstacle.
    Today, we face another problem that threatens us all. The overwhelming
    judgment of science tells us that climate change is altering our planet
    in ways that will have profound impacts on all of humankind. Already,
    longer wildfire seasons put first responders at greater risk. Farmers
    must cope with increased soil erosion following heavy downpours and
    greater stresses from weeds, plant diseases, and insect pests.
    Increasingly severe weather patterns strain infrastructure and damage
    our communities, especially low-income communities, which are
    disproportionately vulnerable and have few resources to prepare. The
    consequences of climate change will only grow more dire in the years to
    come.
    That is why, last year, I took executive action to prepare our Nation
    for the impacts of climate change. As my Administration works to build a
    more resilient country, we also remain committed to averting the most
    catastrophic effects. Since I took office, America has increased the
    electricity it produces from solar energy by more than tenfold, tripled
    the electricity it generates from wind energy, and brought carbon
    pollution to its lowest levels in nearly two decades. In the
    international community, we are working with our partners to reduce
    greenhouse gas emissions around the globe. Along with States, utilities,
    health groups, and advocates, we will develop commonsense and achievable
    carbon pollution standards for our biggest pollution source--power
    plants.
    We are also taking on environmental challenges by increasing fuel
    efficiency, restoring public lands, and curbing emissions of mercury and
    other toxic chemicals. We are safeguarding the water our families drink
    and the waterways and oceans that sustain our livelihoods. This
    February, we proposed new standards to protect farm workers from
    dangerous pesticides. And because caring for our planet requires
    commitment from all of us, we are engaging organizations, businesses,
    and individuals in these efforts.
    As we mark this observance, let us reflect on the mission of the first
    Earth Day and recall our power to forge a cleaner, healthier future. Let
    us accept our responsibilities to future generations and meet today's
    tests with the same energy, passion, and sense of purpose.

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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
    the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 22, 2014, 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 twenty-first day of
    April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    eighth.
    BARACK OBAMA