This resolution expresses support for honoring Earth Day, recognizes past environmental achievements, warns against undermining current climate laws, and urges the President to issue a proclamation encouraging environmental action.
Doris Matsui
Representative
CA-7
This resolution expresses strong support for honoring Earth Day and recognizes its historical importance in launching the modern environmental movement. It highlights ongoing challenges like climate change while celebrating recent landmark investments in clean energy and infrastructure. Ultimately, the bill urges the President to issue a proclamation recognizing Earth Day and encourages all Americans to take sustained action to protect the environment for future generations.
New Resolution Praises Major Climate Laws, Urges US to Rejoin Paris Agreement on Earth Day
This resolution is essentially a formal, high-five moment from Congress for Earth Day, celebrating its history and reminding everyone why environmental action still matters. It’s not a bill that mandates new regulations or changes your tax bracket; rather, it’s a strong statement of support for climate policy and a call for the President to issue an official proclamation recognizing April 22nd.
The Historical Receipts: Why Earth Day Still Gets Respect
The resolution gives serious credit where it’s due, reminding us that the first Earth Day in 1970 wasn't just a feel-good event—it was a catalyst for real policy change. That massive public push led directly to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and landmark laws like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. The text emphasizes that those early efforts prove that public demand and collective action can force politicians to take environmental protection seriously.
Backing Up the Big Climate Investments
One of the most notable aspects of this resolution is its enthusiastic endorsement of recent major climate legislation. It specifically calls out the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021) and the Inflation Reduction Act (2022)—the biggest climate investment in U.S. history. The resolution frames these laws as crucial steps that simultaneously fight climate change, boost American industry, and create jobs. For anyone working in clean energy, electric vehicle manufacturing, or infrastructure repair, this resolution is essentially Congress doubling down on the funding streams that support those sectors.
The Warning Label: Don't Undo the Progress
The resolution doesn't just celebrate; it issues a clear warning against undoing these gains. It strongly criticizes any attempts to repeal or undermine the landmark climate laws or dismantle federal agencies responsible for environmental protection. The text argues that such rollbacks would be disastrous, leading to more pollution and worsening climate impacts. This is a direct message to anyone considering regulatory changes that might benefit industries currently contributing heavily to emissions—the resolution puts them on notice that Congress is watching, and it views environmental protection as non-negotiable.
A Call to Action: From Indigenous Knowledge to International Pacts
Beyond the political statements, the resolution encourages two key actions. Domestically, it asks Americans to use Earth Day to take environmental action and, significantly, to pay attention to the environmental knowledge and land management practices used by Indigenous communities. This is a recognition that sustainable practices often come from those who have stewarded the land for generations. Internationally, the resolution strongly urges the U.S. Government to officially rejoin the Paris Agreement. This signals a desire to return to a full, cooperative role in global efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and ensure a healthier planet for future generations.