Governor Rendell Challenges all Pennsylvanians to Mark Earth Day's 40th Anniversary with 40 Individual Acts

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Noting that individual acts of conservation can add up to one powerful remedy, Governor Edward G. Rendell today called on all Pennsylvanians to take the Earth Day 40 Challenge to mark the 40th anniversary of the special day meant to raise environmental awareness.  

"On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans took to action across the nation on behalf of the environment. People everywhere made promises to help protect our world, and since that time, observing Earth Day has become an international event," Governor Rendell said. "While we've made great progress in a single generation, on this 40th anniversary we are asking people to not only make a promise for the environment, but also act to deliver on that promise.

"Ideas include buying locally grown food; driving less; exploring a new trail and leaving no trace; doing a home energy audit; and turning off lights and computers not in use at work. We offer 40 ways to make a world of difference during the 40 days from Earth Day through June 1," the Governor added.

The Earth Day 40 Challenge asks participants, either as individuals or groups, to select as many conservation actions as they'd like from a list of 40 actions -- or add some of their own ideas -- and submit a checklist of what they have accomplished by June 1. Details can be found at www.iConservePA.org (choose "Take the Challenge").

Registrants who are not employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are eligible to receive coupons for Gander Mountain, REI and Eat 'N Park. After submitting their final checklists, they are entered into drawing for a free night's stay at the new Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park (individual challenge) or a free picnic pavilion rental at a state park of their choice (group challenge).  

Earth Day 1970 was considered the birth of the modern environmental movement.  It led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts.

There are several observations being held by state agencies to mark Earth Day this year, including:

• Participants are pledging to take the Earth Day 40 Challenge at a Happy Earth Day Party at 1 p.m. in the atrium of Strawberry Square, hosted by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and others.
• On April 20, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the winners of the 2010 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence. The 16 deserving winners were selected based on their long-term commitments to protect Pennsylvania's environment and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
• On April 22, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will highlight important steps Pennsylvania's farmers are taking to conserve resources and protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Redding and other state, county and federal officials will mark the Earth Day anniversary by planting trees along a stream that leads to the bay.
• On April 23, Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger will participate in the groundbreaking for the Carlisle Area School District's 1 megawatt solar project which received a $1 million Pennsylvania Energy Redevelopment Authority grant funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The project is the largest solar installation planned by a school district in the commonwealth.

Fore more information about Earth Day 40 including a calendar of events, visit www.iConservePA.org (choose "Take the Challenge") or call 717-772-9101.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor