Over 30 years ago, I spoke at the Commonwealth's first Earth Day and
called for fundamental protections that became the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Endangered Species Act and Superfund. When I look back on the many challenges we faced in 1970, I know that we have made great strides. The proof of our progress is all around us. Air pollution, water pollution and toxic emissions have been reduced. Lead has been removed from gasoline. Boston Harbor is recovering from decades of pollution. Acid rain across New England has been reduced. Species once on the verge of extinction, even the mighty bald eagle, have returned to strength. And through it all, the American economy has grown to historic levels as technology, long-term planning and commonsense have replaced environmentally destructive practices. However, our work is not complete.

The environmental problems we face today are in some ways more challenging than those we faced 30 years ago. While acid rain has been reduced, it continues to poison lakes in the Northeast. Air pollution from powerplants and cars contributes to asthma, cancer, heart disease and other sickness. Mercury and other toxins are accumulating in our waters, fish and other species—and ultimately threatening public health. Ocean ecosystems are deteriorating because of coastal runoff and over fishing. Incomparable habitats and species around the world are threatened by short-sighted development. Each day we are altering the Earth’s atmosphere in unprecedented and irreversible ways with air pollution that contributes to global warming.

While these challenges are great, I am not daunted. As we have throughout America’s history, we must meet these environmental challenges head on and resolve them. I believe as strongly today as I did 30 years ago that the American economy can and will flourish from thoughtful environmental protections. As long as I am in public life, safeguarding the environment and protecting the public health will remain two of my top priorities.