'Earth Day is a time to unite,' Leavitt says

Former Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt, now head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, issued the following message for Earth Day, Thursday, April 22:

"Earth Day is a time to celebrate. We, the American public, have accomplished so much. Gone are the days when air pollution could turn noon to night, when rivers caught fire and toxic waste was poured down drains.

"Earth Day is a time to unite. The environment knows no boundaries. We all breathe the same air, drink the same water. We all cause pollution — every one of us. And working together, we can find the solutions and effect the changes needed to protect our planet.

"Earth Day is a time to act. To turn off a light, compost yard waste, join a car pool, clean a stream or plant a tree. We know there are common-sense actions that will serve our common interests.

"Earth Day is a time to anticipate. To anticipate a future where we can clean the environment and affirm our nation's economic competitiveness. A future where accelerating the velocity of environmental progress should be our vision."