Rod Grams: “Today, across our country, Americans are commemorating Earth Day, a day that is vitally important to all who serve in…”

“Today, across our country, Americans are commemorating Earth Day, a day that is vitally important to all who serve in this chamber. As my colleagues know, Earth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970. Its purpose was--and remains--to make people across the country and internationally reflect on the splendor of our world, an opportunity to get people to think about the earth's many gifts we often take for granted. Earth Day is a day for us to sit in the grass, take a walk, listen to the birds, and observe wildlife. Earth Day is a day for all of us to reflect on our dependence on our natural resources and recognize the care with which we must respect and use our natural resources, recycling and replenishing them where possible. The goals of Earth Day 1970 were goals upon which all of us agree. They're goals still shared across our country, regardless of age, gender, race, economic status, or religious background. I consider myself a conservationist and an environmentalist. No one among us is willing to accept the proposition that our children or grandchildren will ever have to endure dirty water or filthy skies.”