Friend,

I was just a year old when the first Earth Day took place in 1970. But I know the story well: After decades of pollution and a devastating oil spill off the coast of California, more than 20 million Americans showed up to demand that the government do more to protect the environment. Within a few years, and through bipartisan efforts, the U.S. created the Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Water Act, and other landmark environmental laws.

The actions of those concerned Americans helped make our planet more hospitable for future generations. Now, 50 years later, we need to follow their example. Add your name next to mine to demand bold climate action today!

That first Earth Day remains a shining example of how power should work in a democracy: The people influence the government and legislators respond -- in this case by changing the way corporations and industries treat our planet.

But now our democracy, like our climate, is out of balance. The corrupting influence of money in politics has made much of our government more responsive to Big Oil and other deep-pocketed industries than it is to the people.

Today, as we face COVID-19 and the climate crisis together, we feel a profound connection to the planet and to other people, and the vital need to restore our democracy to become responsive to the needs of both.

< That first Earth Day is a testament to what Americans can do when they commit to solving problems together. Now that we've celebrated the 50th Earth Day, we must renew our commitment to the climate so that our children and grandchildren can celebrate the 100th Earth Day on a healthy, habitable planet.

Join me in demanding that we pass bold new climate legislation that puts people ahead of special interests.

Thank you for all you're doing to look after your loved ones and your community during these challenging days. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay strong. We're going to get through this together!

Dean