Tom Waring, the Wire
U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle last week celebrated the 45th anniversary of Earth Day.
“We’ve made great progress over the past 45 years, but we still have so much more to do to ensure we leave behind a better world for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” he said. “It is appropriate that, this year, the theme of Earth Day celebrations across the nation is, ‘It’s Our Turn to Lead.’ From talking honestly about the climate crisis and tackling the challenge head-on to investing in renewable energy and innovative technologies, we can lead the global community and create jobs and opportunity here at home.”
In 1970, on the first Earth Day, tens of millions of Americans came together to demand a safer, cleaner and healthier world.
In Philadelphia, a gathering was held in Fairmount Park. U.S. Sen. Edmund Muskie of Maine gave the keynote address. Guests included consumer activist Ralph Nader and poet Allen Ginsberg.
Since the first Earth Day, Congress has overwhelmingly passed the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and Superfund.
Boyle faulted Republicans for their environmental policy.
“The time is now for Republicans to put aside their anti-science rhetoric and partisan agenda that empowers the special interests at the expense of the environment, hard-working American families and future generations,” he said. “Democrats believe that Congress should work together to create a better, stronger, healthier world for our children by embracing our shared stewardship of this planet and creating policies that preserve our environment. It’s our turn to lead.”
