Sarbanes Video Message Celebrating Earth Day

Statement

Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) released a video message today in celebration of Earth Day. Below is a transcript.

"Today marks the 45th Anniversary of Earth Day. I'm outside in a beautiful park with a fountain nearby.

"I always get excited on Earth Day because I'm the sponsor of something called the No Child Left Inside Act, which is a piece of legislation that would make sure that young people -- the next generation -- are connecting with the outdoors and that the environment is an integral part of their education. Because after all, they are going to be the ones who are the stewards of our planet -- the stewards of our Earth going forward.

"Earth Day is also a time to reflect on the influence that big industries, like the oil and gas and the coal industry, are having when it comes to the environment, and focusing on environmental issues. They have undue influence. They're blocking progress on these issues that so many Americans care about. That's why I'm also focused on reforming how our democracy works and changing how we fund our campaigns. I'm very proud to be the sponsor of H.R. 20, the Government by the People Act, which is designed to empower everyday citizens and small donors, so that they're the ones who influence campaigns and they're the ones who have the power over what we do here in Washington. I believe that if we can give voice to everyday citizens, including millions of Americans who care deeply about the environment, we can see the change here in Washington that will make a difference in their life.

"I'm proud that we have sponsorship and support from organizations like the League of Conservation Voters, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and the Sierra Club, who understand that by embracing this priority of changing how we fund campaigns, and promoting democracy broadly, that will help us advance environmental issues in this country.

"So on this 45th Earth Day, we're not just celebrating and noting and marking this important effort to cherish our environment and protect our planet, but also to protect our democracy."

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