Friday marks the 41st annual celebration of Earth Day. Established in 1970, Earth Day is a day that promotes environmental awareness and recognizes the progress made so far and the challenges that lie ahead when it comes to environmental issues.
This Friday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson spoke about Earth Day and the progress the United States has made so far in terms of environmental problems. In her statement, Jackson commented on the positive steps the EPA under the Obama administration has taken to ensure the safety of citizens and the environment by protecting air and water quality.
Jackson also strongly emphasized the landmarks the EPA has accomplished under President Obama, including a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Transportation that created the first joint fuel efficiency and emissions standards that make vehicles more efficient and ultimately cleaner. Additionally, the administrator also stressed the steps the EPA has taken to work with farmers and agricultural workers and applauded them for increasing production to meet the needs of the growing nation but also reducing environmental impacts.
In closing to her statement, Jackson said, "These are just a few examples of our efforts over the last two years. We've come a long way, but still have a long way to go to strengthen protections for American families, foster more innovation and safeguard the environment we will leave to our children and grandchildren."
Earth Day was first established 41 years ago with the help Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson, who wanted to bring environmental awareness and the lack of environmental policies by organizing a day solely committed to his mission. Sen. Nelson succeeded, with an estimated 20 million people participating in Earth Day in 1970.
Soon, environmental problems were put on the national agenda. In December of 1970, President Richard Nixon established the EPA, which became the most powerful environmental regulating agency in the United States, and appointed William D. Ruckelshaus as the first EPA administrator.
Numerous Earth Day events are happening across the country this weekend. San Francisco will be holding its first Earth Day Festival Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The event is free to the public and will feature entertainment and educational exhibitions that are hands-on for both adults and kids.
Chicagoans can attend several events on Saturday
as well. The Chicago Botanical Garden will be holding an Earth Day walk at 1 p.m. and the Brookfield Zoo will be holding an Eco Expo from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. In New York City, visitors can head to Vanderbilt Hall from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. to watch environmentally themed films and view exhibits on alternative energy and consumer consciousness.
Rachel Krech provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.
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