April 20, 2001

Bard Resolution Establishes ‘ Earth Day — Pennsylvania ’

 

HARRISBURG — April 22 will be a day for Pennsylvanians to celebrate the Commonwealth's environmental heritage and for lawmakers to rededicate themselves to protecting and preserving the state’s natural resources, Montgomery County lawmaker Rep. Ellen M. Bard (R-153) said today.

Bard is the author of legislation adopted by the House on April 4 that establishes the day as Earth Day — Pennsylvania.

" Earth Day is a time for Pennsylvanians to call to mind our Commonwealth’s splendid natural beauty and abundance of wood, water and natural resources, " Bard said. " It’s also a day for residents of the state and policymakers to recognize the importance of protecting our environment for posterity. "

Bard noted that the founder of the Commonwealth, William Penn, praised the land greatly after he saw it for the first time in 1682, saying, " The country itself, its soil, air, water, seasons and produce, both natural and artificial, is not to be despised. "

Bard also noted that the House of Representatives has been taking action to protect natural resources, passing the Land Recycling Act (Brownfields Program), the Storage Tank & Spill Prevention Act, the Waste Tire Recycling Act, the Growing Greener Act, and the Voluntary Joint Municipal Planning Act (Growing Smarter).

Bard founded the environmental organization " Earthright " and the Abington Trails Advisory Committee. She is also a member of the Renewable Energy Caucus and is sponsoring legislation to create wind power as an economically viable option for electricity generation. The establishment of these organizations and her membership on the Montgomery County Open Space Preservation Task Force and Montgomery County Lands Trust attest to her commitment to a healthy, clean environment.

" The contamination of our water and the destruction of our land continues to be a problem and a major legislative concern, " she added. " As we approach the 31st anniversary of the first Earth Day, held in April of 1970, let’s resolve to be better stewards of Penn’s Woods. "