Bill Text: MS SC532 | 2013 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Designate April 22, 2013, as "Mississippi Earth Day 2013: What are you doing to protect the planet?".
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 11-0)
Status: (Passed) 2013-04-08 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC532 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2013-SC532-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2013 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Dawkins, Jackson (11th), Frazier, Simmons (12th), Butler (38th), Simmons (13th), Jackson (32nd), Jordan, Jones, Butler (36th), Horhn
Senate Concurrent Resolution 532
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE 43RD ANNIVERSARY OF EARTH DAY AND DESIGNATING APRIL 22, 2012, AS "MISSISSIPPI EARTH DAY 2013: WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO PROTECT THE PLANET" AND URGING ALL STATE AGENCIES AND CITIZENS TO BE ENERGY STEWARDS.
WHEREAS, many congregations in Mississippi celebrate Earth Day to praise the beauty of God's creation by focusing on a particular environmental issue and in answering God's gift of everyone to be faithful stewards of creation; and
WHEREAS, on April 22, 2013, the global Earth Day celebrations will mark their 43rd Anniversary along with the Earth Day Network, the nonprofit organization that grew out of the original Earth Day in 1970. Just as the annual celebration has grown exponentially to now include over a billion participants, so has the organization dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and connecting supporters through its international network; and
WHEREAS, on April 22 more than one billion people around the world will take part in the 43rd Anniversary of Earth Day. From Beijing to Cairo, Melbourne to London, Madrid to Johannesburg, Rio to New York, communities everywhere will voice their concerns for the planet, and take action to help protect it. In the face of unprecedented occurrences of extreme weather, loss of species and pollution, it is more important than ever that communities do their part to help protect the planet; and
WHEREAS, Union Station in Washington D.C., one of the nation's premier, historic transportation hubs and a must-see destination for every visitor to Washington, is pleased to announce it is hosting Earth Month 2013, scheduled for April 1 through April 30. Presented by Earth Day Network and the Premier Tourist and Landmark Association, a media and event agency, the month-long event will feature interactive, eco-friendly experiences throughout Union Station designed to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage sustainability. Earth Month 2013 represents a significant expansion of prior Earth Day festivities held on Washington's National Mall. In addition to the scheduled events, exhibitors from across the country will be on hand to highlight their own green initiatives, programs and events. Earth Month will feature a film festival, a farmers' market, alternative energy demonstrations, a green fashion show and a science fair with local schools, all held at Union Station throughout the month of April; and
WHEREAS, Earth Day is observed on April 22 and was started in the United States in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson to create awareness for the Earth's environment and to encourage conservation efforts. In 1990, Earth Day was taken international, and today, more than 500 million people in 175 countries observe Earth Day; and
WHEREAS, for the 43rd Anniversary of Earth Day in 2013, the world is in greater peril than ever, but there is also unprecedented opportunity to build a new future. Earth Day has the power to bring about historic advances in climate policy, renewable energy and green jobs and catalyze millions who make personal commitments to sustainability mobilizing the power of people to create change by taking small steps in our homes, our schools and our businesses that add up to an enormous collective action; and
WHEREAS, Earth Day 43 is a pivotal opportunity for people, corporations and governments to join together to create a global green economy. Our coordinated efforts now will be recognized by future generations as a turning point; and
WHEREAS, to reach this goal to build a cleaner, smarter and safer energy future, and meet and overcome the most urgent challenge facing us, all Americans and Mississippians must make different, better decisions about the energy used at home, at work and as a nation and state:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby designate April 22, 2013, as "Mississippi Earth Day 2013: What are you doing to protect the planet?" and urge all state agencies and citizens to be energy stewards and to focus on this critical national issue.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution shall be disseminated by the Department of Environmental Quality and the State Board of Health by appropriate public service advertisements and shall be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
