Eva M. Clayton: “next Monday we will celebrate Earth Day. I wonder if we will celebrate Earth Day in a bipartisan way. It is true that in…”

“next Monday we will celebrate Earth Day. I wonder if we will celebrate Earth Day in a bipartisan way. It is true that in recent years, we had witnessed some improvement in environmental standards for clean air and water, due in large part to bipartisan support provided previously by Congress. Yet, the 104th Congress has witnessed a dramatic change in attitude among many of my Republican colleagues. Escapes and loopholes have been inserted in many measures on behalf of those who would pollute, weakening the very laws that protect the health of the Nation. Thus, despite a quarter of a century of effort, investment, and concentration--toxic waste, unclean air, and unsafe drinking water is still a way of life for millions in the United States. Competing interests between the air we breathe, the water we drink and the land on which we live, versus economic efficiencies and profit for business interests have resulted in legislative action and inaction that has delayed and denied environmental improvement. Those who have suffered the most are the voiceless and the powerless. Yet, in spite of it all, there remains hope for the future. When we celebrate Earth Day on Monday, April 22, I hope all Members will pledge to provide something to celebrate about.”