Congresswoman Matsui Commemorates 40th Anniversary of Earth Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 22, 2010

CONTACT: MARA LEE
(202) 225-7163

Today, Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (D Sacramento) commemorated the 40th annual Earth Day by joining citizens around the world in addressing the need for all of us to make small changes in our daily tasks to reduce our impact on the environment. Rep. Matsui also called upon her colleagues in Congress to continue efforts to enact clean energy legislation that will create fair-wage jobs in America, strengthen our national security, and help preserve the air we breathe and the water we drink.

Each year, Earth Day offers us an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made toward protecting our environment and the work that we still need to do, said Rep. Matsui. This year, we have an historic opportunity to take action to limit the harmful effects of climate change, and create the clean energy economy of the future. And there is no reason why America shouldn t be at the forefront of this new economy, and Sacramento shouldn t lead that effort.

The burgeoning green economy in Sacramento is a product of both the community's commitment to environmentally friendly alternatives and federal funding investments in the region to create a national model. The city's local community colleges, utility providers, and regional businesses have all received numerous Recovery grants totally $230 million dollars for their innovative practices that are bringing jobs to the area and will help California compete in the global market.

Earth Day is a great time to renew our commitment to leave our children with a better environment than the one we inherited, said Alex Kelter, President of the Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS). The Sacramento region has been hailed as a leader in multi-jurisdictional planning. While California has led the nation in protection of our environment, this leadership cannot be sustained unless we face up to the greatest environmental challenge of all -- climate change that results from burning fossil fuels and releasing greenhouse gases.

By working together we can make a real difference in the environment and ensure that national treasures will be available for future generations to enjoy, added Matsui.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has dozens of ideas that are good for the environment and easy to implement, and encourages everyone to Pick 5 and share their pledge with their friends and family. More information about how you can do your part is available at http://www.epa.gov/pick5/