April 20, 2007

CONTACT: Allyson Ivins Groff, 202-226-9019

"As Americans from all walks of life join together for the thirty-seventh observance of Earth Day, we are reminded of the tremendous responsibility that is ours as inhabitants of this life-giving planet to care for her and all her precious resources. We are, today, confronted with a multitude of challenges that pose significant threats to the well-being of our environment and our way of life - inattention to the effects of climate change, carelessness in our use of pristine lands, and wasteful management of valuable and irreplaceable natural resources.

"As it has for so many years, this Earth Day serves to remind us of our duty as Americans to preserve those treasures that are paramount to our way of life and to ensure that they remain available to future generations - clean water, fresh air, stunning landscapes, and remarkable plants and wildlife. Take this day to get back to nature and reconnect with the abounding glories of God's creation. Hike along a misty mountain trail; delight in a family camping trip; paddle exuberantly through white waters; or simply relax on a sandy beach.

"The founder of Earth Day, former Wisconsin Governor and U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, once boldly stated, ‘The ultimate test of man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.' Those words have never been more relevant and there is no time more fitting to reflect on their wisdom than on the annual celebration of our extraordinary Planet Earth."