Van Hollen Statement on Earth Day 2004

Van Hollen Statement on Earth Day 2004

Washington, D.C. - United States Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) today issued the following statement.

"Today, our nation celebrates Earth Day. Many communities and families across America will work together to clean up our parks, streams and open spaces. We will recommit ourselves to common-sense environmental measures like car pooling and recycling, and rededicate ourselves to protecting our environment for current and future generations.

"Unfortunately the Bush Administration has launched a major assault to roll-back important environmental laws. One of many examples is its effort to loosen restrictions on toxic mercury emissions. Airborne mercury from power plants poses a serious danger to pregnant women and young children. Once in the water, mercury contaminates fish and enters the food chain. Over 600,000 babies are born each year with prenatal mercury exposure, which can cause damage to the brain and heart. In Maryland, statewide advisories have been issued. Recent studies have shown that Maryland waterways have one of the highest deposition of mercury in the country due to airborne mercury emitted from power plants. The Bush Administration policy will take us backwards, let major polluters off the hook, and make it more difficult to achieve our pollution reduction goals in the Chesapeake Bay. As a co-chair of the recently re-established Congressional Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, I will continue to oppose this Bush Administration policy. I am pleased to have joined recently with other members of our Task Force to launch a series of legislative initiatives to protect the Chesapeake.

"The Administration's lack of support for the environment is also reflected in its budget. Under the President's budget, environmental programs would be cut two consecutive years for the first time since 1981. By 2009, the President's environmental funding level will still be $2.1 billion below the 2004 enacted level. Simply stated, the President's budget backs away from the federal commitment to environmental protection.

"Rather than develop a sustainable energy policy, the Bush Administration has supported an energy bill that lavishes billions of dollars of subsidies on the oil and gas industry. I am pleased to serve as Vice Chair of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus and will continue to support initiatives to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, promote greater energy efficiency, and invest in renewable energy.

"The Bush Administration has abandoned a pledge to address the problem of global warming and climate change. We must address this serious problem before it is too late. Recently, I joined with a bipartisan group of a dozen Members of Congress to introduce first-of-its-kind House legislation to fight global warming and climate change. Our bill would set a nationwide cap on heat-trapping pollution responsible for global warming, while creating a market-based system encouraging maximum technological innovation and profitable opportunities for companies to cut emissions.

"Earth Day is an important reminder of the need for each of us to do what we can as individuals to protect our environment. Let's make everyday Earth Day."