McCollum Statement on Earth Day

Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued the following statement today in recognition of Earth Day:

“Earth Day is a time to reflect on our efforts to protect the world’s irreplaceable resources – the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we use, the biodiversity we depend on– for future generations.

This Earth Day, I am proud of the support we have received from within the Fourth District and throughout the country for my bill, the National Park and Wilderness Waters Protection Forever Act. This important bill would protect the iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) and Voyageurs National Park from the threats of sulfite mining activity.

At the same time, I am disappointed by Congress’ failure to respond to climate change. The Paris Agreement and President Obama’s Clean Power Plan take important steps to address climate change and improve our air quality, but Congress must also act.

As both a Congresswoman and as the Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, I take very seriously the need to be a good steward of our planet. Today, we should recommit ourselves to coming together and building a cleaner, healthier world.”