Feingold Holds Local Listening Sessions on 33rd Annual Earth Day Pays Tribute to Earth Day’s Founder, Former Wisconsin Governor and Senator Gaylord Nelson April 22, 2003 La Crosse, WI - U.S. Senator Russ Feingold held local Listening Sessions today, on the 33rd annual Earth Day. Former Wisconsin Governor and Senator, Gaylord Nelson, is the founder on Earth Day. “For me, celebrations of Earth Day are always intertwined with thoughts of the day’s founder, former Senator Gaylord Nelson,” Feingold said. “Gaylord Nelson is one in a long line of great Wisconsinites who dedicated their lives to protecting the environment. I am proud to now hold the Senate seat Gaylord Nelson held with distinction from 1963 to 1981. Gaylord not only helped to set aside a day for the nation to think and learn more about the environment, he worked with colleagues to protect the environment.” During this Congress, Feingold has continued his effort to protect the environment. He has worked with Members from the House of Representatives to ensure that isolated wetlands are protected from becoming a dumping ground for pollution. He continues to work with Congressman Ron Kind to develop monitoring program to protect the Upper Mississippi River. Feingold also continues to press for full funding of the Environmental Management Program (EMP). The EMP has done excellent work on environmental restoration in the Upper Mississippi. “On Earth Day, and every day, we must renew our commitment to the great Wisconsin tradition of environmental protection,” Feingold said. “Working together, we can protect our environment and capture the true spirit of Earth Day.” Feingold held his 27th Listening Session of 2003, and his 747th since he was first elected, at Myrick Park in La Crosse, starting at 10:00 AM. He held his 28th Listening Session of 2003, and his 748th since he was first elected, at the Trempealeau County Courthouse in Whitehall, starting at 1:00 p.m. This is Feingold’s eleventh year of holding Listening Sessions in every county.

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