[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 78 (Friday, April 24, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 18975-18976]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-9622]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 78 / Friday, April 24, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 18975]]


                Proclamation 8364 of April 22, 2009

                
Earth Day, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                 The story of the United States is inextricably tied to 
                our vital natural resources. As we enter a new era 
                filled with challenges and promise, we must protect our 
                land, wildlife, water and air--the resources that have 
                fueled our growth and prosperity as a Nation and 
                enriched our lives. Doing this not only fulfills a 
                sacred obligation to our children and grandchildren, 
                but also provides an opportunity to stimulate economic 
                growth.

                 To achieve these ends, no issue deserves more 
                immediate attention than global warming. Scientists 
                have already observed alarming shifts in the natural 
                world, including thawing permafrost, melting glaciers, 
                and rising sea levels.

                 Climate change presents a serious test for humankind, 
                but it also provides an opportunity for great 
                innovation and adaptation. The United States has risen 
                to such challenges before, and Earth Day inspires us to 
                transcend differences among nations so we may lead the 
                world in protecting our planet from this global threat.

                 Americans across the country are working hard to help 
                limit the pollutants that cause climate change and 
                reduce their impact on the environment, but we must do 
                more. Individuals and organizations can plant trees, 
                use energy efficient lightbulbs, drive fuel efficient 
                cars, hold clean-up drives, and teach young people 
                about environmental preservation. Small changes in our 
                daily lives can have a big impact on our environment. 
                Individuals can walk, bike, and use public 
                transportation; buy products with less packaging; and 
                recycle and reuse paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum 
                more often. American families can also save money by 
                choosing energy efficient products, turning lights off, 
                unplugging appliances, and cutting back on heating and 
                air conditioning.

                 Government and business alike must also take serious 
                and sustained action to protect our valuable natural 
                inheritance. Through investments in scientific research 
                and development, and the vigorous pursuit of 
                alternative and renewable energy, we can create 
                millions of green jobs that allow us to reduce 
                greenhouse gases and excel in a competitive global 
                economy. My Administration is committed to increasing 
                fuel economy standards and putting more Plug-In Hybrid 
                cars on the road, weatherizing millions of homes, and 
                catalyzing private efforts to build a clean energy 
                future. My Administration is also working to achieve a 
                comprehensive energy and climate policy, one that will 
                lessen our dependence on foreign oil, make the U.S. the 
                global leader in clean energy technology, and prevent 
                the worst impacts of climate change.

                 President Theodore Roosevelt emphasized our obligation 
                to future Americans, saying, ``of all the questions 
                which can come before this nation, short of the actual 
                preservation of its existence in a great war, there is 
                none which compares in importance with the great 
                central task of leaving this land even a better land 
                for our descendants than it is for us.'' Heeding 
                President Roosevelt's call, and carrying forward his 
                spirit of determination, we must commit ourselves to 
                protecting our environment and ensuring the health

[[Page 18976]]

                of our planet so we may share the magnificent blessings 
                of our Earth with our grandchildren.

                 We do this not only to acknowledge the environment's 
                central role in the development of our Nation but also 
                to recognize the strong ecological interdependence 
                among nations. History has shown that as we sow, so too 
                shall we reap. Let us rededicate ourselves to a world 
                that provides bountiful harvests for us all not just 
                today, but for many generations to come.

                 NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim April 22, 2009, as Earth 
                Day. I encourage all citizens to help protect our 
                environment and contribute to a healthy, sustainable 
                world.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-second day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
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                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-9622
Filed 4-23-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P