Mr. Speaker, this Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8:30 p.m., millions of people around the world will join together to turn off their lights for one hour – Earth Hour – to raise awareness about climate change.  Communities, individuals, businesses and organizations will turn off non-essential lighting and cast a visual vote for global education, awareness and action on this important issue.
 
Earth Hour began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, where more than 2.2 million people turned off their lights.  Last year, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) took Earth Hour global and more than 50 million people in more than 400 cities on all seven continents participated, darkening some of the world’s most famous skylines and icons, including the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Coliseum in Rome and the Sears Tower.  Even Google’s homepage went dark for the day.
 
This year, more than 1700 cities in some 80 countries already have signed up to participate, with more joining each day. The event itself will begin in Fiji, cascading across the world – with Hawaii as the final stop.  In my district, three municipalities—Aurora, Naperville, and Homer Glen—and numerous businesses have signed up to participate. 
 
We need to start addressing climate change now and Earth Hour is one of the many steps we can take to do just that.  That’s why I introduced H. Res. 268, with my good friend from Georgia, Mr. Barrow – to support the goals and ideals of Earth Hour.  The resolution will help increase education, awareness, and action on this important environmental issue.  I encourage my colleagues to cosponsor H. Res. 268 and join in this inspiring and historical event.
 
I yield back the balance of my time.

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