[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