1Recognizing April 22, 2014, as "Earth Day" in Pennsylvania.

2WHEREAS, April 22, 2014, is the 44th anniversary of Earth
3Day; and

4WHEREAS, Earth Day pioneers Gaylord Nelson and Denis Hayes
5had grave concerns about the environmental issues facing America
6and sought to unite millions of Americans by developing
7educational events that drew in 20 million people on the first
8Earth Day April 22, 1970; and

9WHEREAS, The issue of preserving the environment and
10participating in the stewardship of the nation and State has
11been a vital concern within this Commonwealth as it is reflected
12in the adoption of environmentally cognizant legislation which
13includes the Clean Water Act, the National Wild and Scenic
14Rivers Act, the Federal Pesticides Act, the Clean Air Act, the
15Environmental Education Act and the National Hiking Trails and
16National Scenic Trails Acts; and

17WHEREAS, Earth Day will be enacted April 22, 2014, to unite
18this Commonwealth with the nation and countries internationally

1to undertake the responsibility of overseeing and protecting the
2environment for the betterment, health and well-being of current
3and future inhabitants, demonstrating an appreciation for the
4sentiments of the first Earth Day of 1970; and

5WHEREAS, Earth Day also aims to bring congeniality to the
6nearly 200 countries that recognize the commemoration of Gaylord
7Nelson's vision of creating an environment that is full of
8decency, quality and mutual respect for all human beings and
9other living creatures; and

10WHEREAS, The abundance of natural resources such as lumber,
11coal and natural gas make the concept of conserving and
12protecting the environment a special concern for the
13Commonwealth as we seek to conserve and sustain this
14Commonwealth's natural resources for the satisfaction of present
15and future generations; and

16WHEREAS, Earth Day is not only directed toward the
17cleanliness and appreciation of the physical environment but
18also encourages harmony, peace and kindness in all interpersonal
19interactions effectively caring for the social environment; and

20WHEREAS, Stewardship of the environment also encompasses
21caring for and respecting the individuals that exist within our
22communities; and

23WHEREAS, In observation of Earth Day, cities and towns
24throughout this Commonwealth will hold events to promote
25environmentally friendly behaviors and to educate individuals of
26their duties as responsible citizens; therefore be it

27RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize April 22, 2014, as "Earth
28Day" in Pennsylvania and implore all citizens of this
29Commonwealth to observe Earth Day by assuming their
30responsibility as stewards of the physical and social

1environment.