Earth Day, 2009

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

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.