Earth Day, 2014

Proclamation 9106 of April 21, 2014

Earth Day, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Over four decades ago, Americans from all walks of life
came together to tackle a shared challenge. Pollution
damaged our health and livelihoods--from children
swimming in contaminated streams to workers exposed to
dangerous chemicals to city residents living under a
thick haze of smog. The first Earth Day was a call to
action for every citizen, every family, and every
public official. It gave voice to the conservation
movement, led to the creation of the Environmental
Protection Agency, and pushed our Nation to adopt
landmark laws on clean air and water. This Earth Day,
we remember that when Americans unite in common
purpose, we can overcome any obstacle.

Today, we face another problem that threatens us all.
The overwhelming judgment of science tells us that
climate change is altering our planet in ways that will
have profound impacts on all of humankind. Already,
longer wildfire seasons put first responders at greater
risk. Farmers must cope with increased soil erosion
following heavy downpours and greater stresses from
weeds, plant diseases, and insect pests. Increasingly
severe weather patterns strain infrastructure and
damage our communities, especially low-income
communities, which are disproportionately vulnerable
and have few resources to prepare. The consequences of
climate change will only grow more dire in the years to
come.

That is why, last year, I took executive action to
prepare our Nation for the impacts of climate change.
As my Administration works to build a more resilient
country, we also remain committed to averting the most
catastrophic effects. Since I took office, America has
increased the electricity it produces from solar energy
by more than tenfold, tripled the electricity it
generates from wind energy, and brought carbon
pollution to its lowest levels in nearly two decades.
In the international community, we are working with our
partners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions around the
globe. Along with States, utilities, health groups, and
advocates, we will develop commonsense and achievable
carbon pollution standards for our biggest pollution
source--power plants.

We are also taking on environmental challenges by
increasing fuel efficiency, restoring public lands, and
curbing emissions of mercury and other toxic chemicals.
We are safeguarding the water our families drink and
the waterways and oceans that sustain our livelihoods.
This February, we proposed new standards to protect
farm workers from dangerous pesticides. And because
caring for our planet requires commitment from all of
us, we are engaging organizations, businesses, and
individuals in these efforts.

As we mark this observance, let us reflect on the
mission of the first Earth Day and recall our power to
forge a cleaner, healthier future. Let us accept our
responsibilities to future generations and meet today's
tests with the same energy, passion, and sense of
purpose.

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, 2014, 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
twenty-first day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.