Earth Day, 2012

Proclamation 8802 of April 20, 2012

Earth Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans came together
to celebrate the first Earth Day. Students, teachers,
activists, elected officials, and countless others
challenged our Nation to confront our most urgent
environmental issues and rallied around a single
message: the success of future generations depends upon
how we act today. As we commemorate Earth Day this
year, we reflect on the challenges that remain before
us and recommit to the spirit of togetherness and
shared responsibility that galvanized a movement 42
years ago.

America rose to meet the call to action in the months
and years that followed the first Earth Day. We passed
the Clean Air, Clean Water, Endangered Species, and
Marine Mammal Protection Acts; founded the
Environmental Protection Agency; and ignited a spirit
of stewardship that has driven progress for over four
decades. Today, our air and water are cleaner,
pollution has been greatly reduced, and Americans
everywhere are living in a healthier environment.

While we have made remarkable progress in protecting
our health and our natural heritage, we know our work
is not yet finished. Last July, my Administration
proposed the toughest fuel economy standards in our
Nation's history--standards that will save families
money at the pump, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and
significantly reduce our dependence on oil. In
December, we finalized the first-ever national
standards to limit mercury and other toxic emissions
from power plants, helping safeguard the health of
millions. We have taken action to protect and restore
our Nation's precious ecosystems, from the Gulf Coast
to the Great Lakes. And we continue to make landmark
investments in batteries, biofuels, and renewable
energy that are unlocking American innovation and
ensuring our Nation stays on the cutting edge. Our
country is on the path to economic recovery and
renewal, and moving forward, my Administration will
continue to fight for a healthy environment every step
of the way.

As we work to leave our children a safe, sustainable
future, we must also equip them with the tools they
need to take on tomorrow's environmental challenges.
Supporting environmental literacy and a strong
foundation in science, technology, engineering, and
math for every student will help ensure our youth have
the skills and knowledge to advance our clean energy
economy. Last year, we launched the Department of
Education Green Ribbon Schools recognition award to
encourage more schools to pursue sustainability, foster
health and wellness, and integrate environmental
literacy into the curriculum. In the days ahead, we
look forward to awarding the first Green Ribbons and
recognizing the accomplishments of green schools across
our country.

Forty-two years ago, a generation rallied together to
protect the earth we would inherit. As we reflect on
that historic day of activism and stewardship, let us
embrace our commitment to the generations yet to come
by leaving them a safe, clean world on which to make
their mark.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim April 22, 2012, as
Earth Day. I encourage all Americans to participate in
programs and activities that will protect our
environment and contribute to a healthy, sustainable
future.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twentieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.