Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith Reflects on Earth Day Inspiration

April 22, 2008

(Albany, N.Y.) Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D - St. Albans) released the following statement:

“As we mark the 38th celebration of Earth Day, the importance of protecting our planet becomes more critical with each passing year. Our goal in the Democratic Conference is to provide strong and sensible leadership in conservation, energy efficiency, and green initiatives.

Since its inception, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement. In 1970, Americans were primarily using leaded gas through massive V-8 engines in their sedans. Industries spewed smoke and sludge with little fear of legal consequences or retribution in the media. Some even went as far as to equate air pollution as the smell of prosperity. But the creation of Earth Day turned all that around.

This year Senate Democrats have a strong set of proposals to help keep New York’s environment pristine. These proposals include reducing sulfur emissions in our home heating oil and school buses; redeveloping our brownfields to attract businesses and create jobs; safeguarding our working farms; forests and orchards against sprawl; and protecting our wetlands. And we continue to encourage energy efficient building practices, accelerating the move to green energy sources, and supporting the development of green jobs and green industries.

The global transition to clean, green energy will mean reduced levels of CO² emissions in the atmosphere, a smaller amount of climate chaos as well as less pollution of our air, water, and land. It means greater energy security for communities and nations, fewer conflicts over energy resources and sustainable economies with stable fuel prices.

As Earth Day was inspired by US Senator Gaylord Nelson (D – Wisconsin), I want to impress upon all New Yorkers to individually, leave the smallest footprint you can. When you save water, you’re saving the rivers and oceans. When you turn down the heat in winter, you’re turning down the heat on the planet. When you take the clean-fuel bus, you’re doing your part to let all children breathe easier. When you recycle, you save precious natural resources and keep pollutants out of the ground.

In order to save the Earth, we all must share in the responsibility.”