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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spin Control

Earth Day Greetings

Happy Earth Day. Sorry I didn't get you a card or a present.

To make up for it, Spin Control is passing along (without harming the environment as far as we can tell) Earth Day sentiments from elected officials. Inside the blog are paperless reproductions of E.D. statements from Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire and U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick, D-Idaho, and audio from Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

Others will be posted if they come in

Gov. Gregoire’s Earth Day statement

 

OLYMPIA Gov. Chris Gregoire today released the following statement on Earth Day:

 

“On this Earth Day, I want to remind Washingtonians that when it comes to the environment, inaction is not an option.

 

As a state and nation, we must take steps to reduce climate-changing greenhouse gas pollution, promote energy independence and strengthen our competitiveness in the global race for a clean-energy economy. Taking action will benefit our environment while creating thousands of green-collar jobs to benefit our economy.

 

“Today on Earth Day, I will sign legislation that permits the Department of Natural Resources to develop and implement forest biomass energy demonstration projects. This bill signals our determination to make Washington a leader in green technology and green jobs for the 21st century. These projects have the potential of attracting new technologies, and demonstrate the viability of creating renewable energy from our forests. 

 

“It is time to move more quickly to a future of green-collar jobs and a cleaner, safer environment. Together we can achieve this goal if we choose to make every day Earth Day.”

 

For more information on Earth Day, visit: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/earthday/index.html

 

To see additional remarks from Gregoire on Earth Day, visit: http://www.grist.org/article/2009-04-22-gregoire-washington-earth-day/

 

From Minnick's office:


Here is a statement from Congressman Walt Minnick regarding today’s Earth Day celebrations and activities.

“I was fortunate to have known Gaylord Nelson, the founder of Earth Day. Like his friend and fellow U.S. Senator Frank Church, Nelson was a pioneer in the politics of conservation, blazing a path followed today by members of both parties. I think both Senator Nelson and Senator Church would be pleased to see that those who are following in their footsteps are champions for public, collaborative approaches to conservation. The issues may still be thorny, but I and my colleagues are committed to working on them together.”

 Sen. Patty Murray's opening statement from her hearing on Green Jobs on Tuesday (Earth Day Eve), can be heard by clicking here:



The Spokesman-Review's political team keeps a critical eye on local, state and national politics.