Senator Murray’s Statement Celebrating Earth Day

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the
following statement celebrating Earth Day.



“Today marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, which was first
celebrated on April 22, 1970 by approximately 20,000,000 people across
the United States.  I’m so proud that Washington state has been a leader
in raising environmental awareness over the last forty years. And I am
going to keep fighting to make sure we continue preserving and
protecting our environment for families today and for future
generations.



“This Earth Day is also an opportunity to redouble our efforts to pass
comprehensive clean-energy and climate change legislation to make sure
our country continues to lead in the 21st century economy.  



“Because it is so critical that we cut the pollution that is causing
global warming, and this is especially important for places like
Washington state where we stand to lose so much from rising sea levels
and increasingly severe storms.



“And it is absolutely imperative that we put the rules in place that
would unshackle our economy, tap the creative energy of our nation’s
workers, and create millions of good, family-wage jobs in the
clean-energy sector.



“I was also proud to introduce legislation this year to preserve and
protect the Alpine Lakes wilderness and expand it by over 22,000 acres
to include important lower-elevation lands and watersheds. We owe it to
our children and grandchildren to guarantee that this pristine and
special place is preserved as a legacy and natural resource for
generations to come.



“We all have a commitment to protect our environment for future
generations. Working together on Earth Day and every day, we can protect
the natural environment we treasure and provide a critical boost to the
clean-energy industry that is going to lead the way in the 21st century
and beyond.”