House Approves Legislation To Support The Goals Of Earth Day

"Throughout the years, Earth Day has been a successful way to raise awareness and encourage action on critical environmental issues such as air pollution, protection of parks and wildlife, and recycling. While great progress has been made, today our country is faced with threats to global energy supplies, rising costs of energy to consumers, and growing impacts from global climate change. This Earth Day should serve as a rallying call for increased investment in ground-breaking, science-based technology solutions to address our energy and environmental problems." said Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN).

H.Res.1117, authored by Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA), declares the support of the House of Representatives for the goals and ideals of Earth Day and the scientific and technological capabilities to achieve those goals. The resolution also encourages the Department of Energy to increase its efforts in research, development, and demonstration of renewable energy technology and energy conservation technologies.

"Earth Day is an important opportunity to be proud of the environmental progress we’ve made, but also to refocus on the work that remains to be done," stated McNerney. "I was proud to introduce this resolution, which expresses our gratitude to the organizers and participants in this year’s Earth Day celebrations, who are working so hard for a healthy environment."

H.Res.1112, introduced by Research and Science Education Subcommittee Chairman Brian Baird (D-WA), recognizes the International Year of the Coral Reef and the work of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to preserve coral reefs around the world. Oceans, shorelines, and a diversity of marine life are all dependent upon the health and vitality of our coral reef systems, and this resolution encourages further research and development to continue preserving this critical natural resource.

"Coral reefs provide economic, environmental, and cultural benefits to millions of people around the world and are vital in protecting shorelines and supporting coastal economies," said Baird. "Today, I applaud House passage of H. Res. 1112, a resolution I introduced with Congressman Mark Kirk that increases public awareness about the grave threats to the world’s coral reefs and recognizes 2008 as the International Year of the Reef."

H.Res.891, sponsored by Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairman Mark Udall (D-CO), celebrates 35 years of space-based observations of the Earth by the Landsat spacecraft and recognizes the dedication of the scientists, engineers, and program personnel who contributed to the success of the Landsat program. Landsat data has advanced many areas of scientific research that benefit the public, including the study of global climate change.

"In celebration of Earth Day, it is only fitting that we recognize Landsat and its 35-year record of space-based observations of the earth at a time when we are beginning to address the current and future implications of climate change," remarked Udall. "Landsat has been instrumental in studying the effects of land use change, and data from the satellites have helped us better understand many areas along with climate change, including fire preparedness, natural resource management, land use planning, cartography, and food security."

The House also approved H.Res.1118, honoring the life and achievements of John Archibald Wheeler, a pioneer in nuclear and theoretical physics, and expressing condolences on his passing.

For more information, please visit the Committee’s website at https://science.house.gov.

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Related Subcommittees

• Science and Technology (110th Congress)

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