Washington, DC - Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement, commemorating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and honoring its founder, the late Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin (H.Con.Res255).

"The air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we use - all of these are our planet's most valuable and irreplaceable resources. All  Americans - not just government and businesses - have a responsibility to ensure that present and future generations can continue to fully enjoy those resources," said Congresswoman McCollum. "In his efforts to preserve and protect our environment, Senator Nelson demonstrated the amazing power of a single person's ability to make a difference. His legacy of environmental awareness and activism will live on for generations to come."