Washington, D.C. -- In recognition of the 43rd anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement.
Senator Boxer said: "As we celebrate Earth Day, it is important to remember the significant progress we have made since the first Earth Day in 1970 and prepare for the serious work that lies ahead.
"The first Earth Day helped lead to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. It also helped spur strong bipartisan legislation, such as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Superfund law, which have been some of the most successful laws ever enacted in the U.S.
"Over the past four decades, we have made a tremendous difference in protecting the environment and the health of our children and families. However, the growing threat of climate change puts our environment and public health at risk, and scientists tell us that the impacts of climate change continue to worsen. For example, the most recent decade was the nation's hottest on record, and 2012 was the hottest single year. The impacts of climate change, including the increase in temperatures, have been caused by carbon pollution.
"To strike at the roots of carbon pollution, Senator Sanders and I have introduced legislation that puts a price on carbon pollution, protects consumers with a rebate, and reinvests funds to promote renewable energy. We must do more, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to address climate change and its dangerous impacts.
"On Earth Day and every day, you can count on me to keep fighting to protect our environment and the health and safety of all Americans."
