S.Res. 684

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 684 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 684

Recognizing the 56th anniversary of Earth Day and the leadership of its 
founder, Senator Gaylord Nelson.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

April 22, 2026

Ms. Baldwin submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on Environment and Public Works

_______________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the 56th anniversary of Earth Day and the leadership of its 
founder, Senator Gaylord Nelson.

Whereas Earth Day is observed annually around the world to demonstrate support 
for preserving, protecting, and defending the environment, the planet, 
and the inhabitants of the planet;
Whereas Senator Gaylord Nelson, a native of Clear Lake, Wisconsin--

(1) established Earth Day as an event and movement led by young people;

(2) is recognized as one of the leading environmentalists of the 20th 
century; and

(3) received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his public 
leadership;

Whereas the Earth Day movement established by Senator Gaylord Nelson helped 
launch an era of international environmental awareness and activism;
Whereas young individuals were critical in the organization and mobilization of 
20,000,000 individuals on the first Earth Day in 1970, making that 
celebration the largest environmental grassroots event in history at 
that time;
Whereas ongoing environmental degradation, accelerating climate change, and 
increasingly severe weather events threaten the well-being and 
livelihoods of the individuals of the United States and individuals 
around the world, including--

(1) coastal communities, which are especially vulnerable and are 
experiencing erosion, flooding, and pollution; and

(2) rural and agricultural communities, which are facing increased risk 
of drought, diseases, pests, and soil degradation;

Whereas pollution, environmental degradation, and the climate crisis are 
generational justice issues that disproportionately impact young 
individuals and future generations, who will face difficulties accessing 
clean water and clean air;
Whereas low-income communities and communities of color continue to face 
disproportionate harm from climate change, pollution, and environmental 
degradation;
Whereas multiple national and international scientific reports have concluded 
that the climate crisis is a threat to the planet that requires urgent 
action;
Whereas the first Earth Day spurred broad support for environmental conservation 
and contributed to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency 
and the enactment of bipartisan legislation with bedrock Federal 
environmental protections, including the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 
et seq.), the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et 
seq.), and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
Whereas the United States has experienced a youth-led resurgence in 
environmental and climate activism that has led to hundreds of thousands 
of individuals in the United States demanding climate action; and
Whereas the mission and purpose of Earth Day remain relevant in 2026, for a new 
generation to face environmental challenges that lie ahead: Now, 
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) recognizes April 22, 2026, as the 56th anniversary of 
Earth Day; and
(2) commends the leadership and vision of the founder of 
Earth Day, Senator Gaylord Nelson.
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