[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 17 (Monday, April 28, 2003)]
[Page 459]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Earth Day

April 22, 2003

    Earth Day encourages and celebrates countless acts of stewardship by 
individuals that improve the quality of our communities, parks, rivers, 
lakes, and private and public lands. The Government also has an 
important role to play in protecting our environment.
    Three decades after the first Earth Day, our air is cleaner; our 
water is purer; and our lands and natural resources are better 
protected.
    My administration is building on these accomplishments through new 
and innovative policies. We will reduce powerplant pollution by 70 
percent. We will restore forest health, preventing catastrophic 
wildfires that devastate communities, wildlife habitat, and the 
landscape. And we will promote energy efficiency and security and 
improve and protect water quality, while encouraging economic growth. To 
help accomplish these goals, I have proposed legislation--Clear Skies, 
Healthy Forests, and the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative--which I call on 
Congress to pass this year.
    Please join me in celebrating the 34th annual Earth Day by becoming 
a partner in service. I invite you to visit the USA Freedom Corps web 
site and EarthDay.gov to find environmental stewardship opportunities in 
your community. America's citizen conservation efforts play a vital role 
in preserving our Nation's natural resources, on Earth Day and 
throughout the year.