Hi John --

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. First held in 1970, Earth Day represented a renewed public consciousness about the importance of environmental stewardship. I think most of us here in Washington take environmental stewardship personally. I’m definitely biased, but I think we live in the most beautiful place in the world -- a place worth protecting.

Our great state is home to some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders. I mean we actually have a rainforest in our state, one of the oldest ecosystems on the entire planet, just a few hours northwest of here. We live in the shadow of the mighty Mount Rainier, probably Washington’s most recognizable feature to people who don’t live here. And, of course, Puget Sound and the southern end of the Salish Sea -- the heart of Pierce, Thurston, and Mason Counties.

In that spirit, I want to share something with you I found on the Earth Day website. It says, “Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political alignment, enlisting support from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, urban dwellers and farmers, business and labor leaders.” The direct result was the Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act, to name a few things. It was a moment of true progress in our nation.

And now, as a pandemic is forcing us to reassess our way of life, we must reckon with the interconnectedness of our global society and acknowledge the value of preparation and decisive, swift leadership in times of crisis. I believe the pandemic has presented us with an opportunity. With the looming climate emergency, we are long-overdue for a new era of political alignment. In 1970, they had large public demonstrations to draw attention to the crises of the day. Of course, that’s not possible right now. In the video below, I discuss how, in this most consequential time, we need bold leaders and inspired thinkers to take action and make a serious plan to secure the future of our society, our economy, and our planet. Will you watch?

[Screengrab of Phil Gardner's Earth Day Message video.] Link >> [link removed]

Taking on the climate emergency is the urgent reason I launched our campaign for Congress. In Congress, I would offer a fresh voice arguing that we must prioritize saving our planet. After all, I’ll be alive to see the consequences of inaction. Here in WA-10, this also includes saving and restoring Puget Sound.

I’m writing today to ask you to stand with me in this fight. As I’ve said before, this is a grassroots campaign running on bold ideas and a vision for the future that will require all of us to step up and take part. So, if it feels right today, please chip in $25, $50, or whatever you can. Here’s a link to give: [link removed]

I would also ask you to take a moment today to go outside without your phone, if you can do so safely, and take a few deep breaths. Take it in.

It’s worth protecting.

Thank you for being with me.

Phil

DONATE >> [link removed]





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Phil Gardner for Congress
P.O. Box 2766
Olympia, WA 98507
United States
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