SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1997-8672

By Senators Fraser, McAuliffe, Kohl, Spanel, Brown, Patterson, Franklin and Fairley

     WHEREAS, April 22 marks the 27^th Earth Day; and

     WHEREAS, This worldwide event is an annual opportunity for citizens to recommit themselves to a healthy environment and sustainable communities; and

     WHEREAS, The number of people participating in Earth Day has grown from 20 million to more than 200 million people in 141 countries; and

     WHEREAS, Since the first Earth Day in 1970, the Washington State Legislature and Congress have enacted a number of important environmental laws, protecting our air, water, lands, and wildlife; and

     WHEREAS, Washington citizens appreciate that air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity are fundamental to the health and wealth of our state and nation; and

     WHEREAS, The protection and enhancement of these resources help stimulate our economy, enhance our quality of life, and ensure a viable future for our children and grandchildren;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognizes our obligation to protect our planet and the state of Washington for future generations; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate supports citizen efforts and activities in communities throughout Washington and around the world to commemorate Earth Day and enhance and sustain our natural resources throughout the year.

I, Mike O=Connell, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1997-8672,

adopted by the Senate April 22, 1997.

MIKE O=CONNELL

Secretary of the Senate