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WASHINGTON, DC - On Tuesday, April 17, 2007, Earth Day Network (EDN) kicks off 'Earth Day on the Hill,' a platform for diverse voices and perspectives on the most critical environmental issue of our time: global warming. The news conference from 9-11a.m. in the Zenger Room of the National Press Club will open with remarks from Congresswoman Hilda Solis, who represent's California's 32nd District (Los Angeles).
The launch event will include Earth Day Network President Kathleen Rogers, Step It Up's Bill McKibben, William C. Velasquez Institute (WCVI) President Antonio Gonzalez, Dr. Robert Bullard of the Environmental Justice Resource Center, and Rev. Peter Moore-Kochlacs of the Religious Coalition on Creation Care.
"This week, April 16th through the 20th, Earth Day Network is bringing new and diverse voices from across America to Capitol Hill to catalyze immediate action on climate," said EDN President Kathleen Rogers. "We want to talk about the health, economic, and social impacts of climate and our proposed solutions for inclusion in climate legislation."
Participants in 'Earth Day on the Hill' will be visiting Congress this week, pushing for programs to help those most vulnerable cope with the impacts of climate change. They will also urge legislation to speed up our transition to renewable energy and help economically disadvantaged individuals participate in the new green economy. In addition, Earth Day Network is calling on Congress to require that companies purchase emission permits, and not to allow any permits to be "grandfathered" or given away.
"Building on the momentum on the 1400 rallies that took place in all 50 states on Saturday, it's time for Congress to finally, after 20 years and pass serious climate legislation," said Step It Up's Bill McKibben. "Across America, people agreed that 80% carbon emission reductions by 2050 is a good starting point for what needs to be done."
"Global warming poses special environmental justice challenges for communities that are already overburdened with pollution and environmentally-related illnesses," added Dr. Robert Bullard of the Environmental Justice Resource Center. "Those most affected must have a voice at the table in shaping the solutions."
"Latinos have long been concerned with the environment," said WCVI President Antonio Gonzalez. "As a group consistently disproportionately affected by policies that force them to live in highly polluted neighborhoods, in areas with an alarming lack of green space, the Latino community is ready to take charge and show that it is environmentally conscious by pushing for positive urban development and agricultural development policies."
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED LIST OF PARTICIPANTS IN EARTH DAY ON THE HILL.
About Earth Day Network
Earth Day Network, www.earthday.net, seeks to grow and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable planet. It pursues these goals through education, politics, cultural events, and consumer activism. Current grassroots programs include the Climate Change Solutions Campaign, Campaign for Communities, and the National Civic Education Project. Earth Day Network works with more than 105,000 K-12 teachers in the United States alone. In 2006, EDN launched Earth Day Television, greatly expanding its reach to a global network of more than 15,000 partners and organizations in 174 countries. More than one billion people are expected to participate in Earth Day civic activities, making it the largest secular civic event in the world.
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