Congressman Hoyer Earth Day Statement
"Tomorrow is the 38th Earth Day, a day to reflect on the progress we have made for the health of our planet-and to remember how much more remains to be done. Looking back, we can be proud that the Democratic Majorities in Congress have made real progress toward a future of cleaner energy and an America free of its fossil-fuel, foreign-oil addiction.
"In the past year, Congress passed the historic Energy Independence and Security Act, legislation that develops biofuels, increases fuel efficiency and is set to dramatically reduce CO2 emissions over the years to come. In fact, to cut that much pollution, we would have to take 28 million cars and trucks off the road.
"But global warming remains the greatest long-term environmental threat, and Democrats are committed to meeting it head-on. We need to end taxpayer subsidies to oil companies making record profits, and instead direct resources to our growing renewable energy industry. We need to make our traditional energy sources burn cleaner, by advancing technologies like carbon sequestration. And we need to set incentives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as a cap-and-trade system.
"Democrats are confident that we can make our country green and strong at the same time: Over the next decade, investing in clean energy can create an estimated three million new jobs, strengthen our national security, and result in healthier communities and a cleaner environment for our children.
"In Maryland, we face a special environmental challenge of our own: cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay. The long-term health of this natural treasure is threatened by the effects of climate change, population growth, and excess sediment and nutrient runoff - factors that produce "dead zones," toxic algae blooms and large fish kills, and threaten oysters, crabs and aquatic plants.
"We can't restore the Chesapeake without federal support, which is why it is so disheartening that the Bush Administration has slashed clean-up funding across the board. Congress is still working to get Chesapeake recovery efforts-from water quality projects to oyster restoration-the resources they need.
"If we can look back on all of these accomplishments next Earth Day, we will truly have something to celebrate."
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