Earth Day and the Paris Climate Agreement

Floor Speech

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Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, the idea of Earth Day began as a single day for the Nation to focus on environmental protection. Soon after the very first Earth Day in 1970, the phrase ``every day is Earth Day'' became a mantra among those who want to leave our planet in better shape than it was when we got here.

On Earth Day 2016, I am proud to note that the landmark Paris Climate Agreement is scheduled to be signed by more than 150 nations, including the world's biggest polluters: China, Brazil, and the United States. The quickest, most direct way we are making every day Earth Day, this Friday, is by implementing the largest international agreement the world has ever known.

Earth Day isn't just about the environment. It is about the people who inhabit it. It is about the air we breath, the water we drink, and the food we eat.

The Paris Agreement is already working, setting the foundation for an historic reduction in greenhouse gases, and paving the way to a thriving, clean global economy. Here at home, it is also about creating new jobs and empowering the private sector to once again harness that uniquely American brand on innovation to lead the global marketplace.

We may celebrate it once a year, but Earth Day truly is every day. That is a promise that is as important today as it was 46 years ago. And 46 years later, we are making Earth Day every day with the Paris Climate Agreement.

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