Earth Day

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Earth Day

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is home to extraordinary natural treasures-from the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley to the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic coastline, and rich forests, rivers, and wetlands that sustain diverse ecosystems and support the well-being of all who call Virginia home; and

WHEREAS, Earth Day, first observed in 1970, has grown into a global day of recognition and action, reminding communities everywhere of the shared responsibility to protect the environment for current and future generations; and

WHEREAS, Virginians rely on clean air, safe drinking water, healthy soils, and resilient natural landscapes for public health, economic prosperity, outdoor recreation, agriculture, and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth continues to advance efforts that promote conservation, responsible stewardship, sustainable development, and the protection of Virginia's natural resources through education, innovation, and community engagement; and

WHEREAS, Earth Day provides an opportunity for individuals, schools, businesses, local governments, and organizations across Virginia to participate in activities such as tree planting, litter cleanup, habitat restoration, environmental education, and initiatives that strengthen environmental resilience; and

WHEREAS, the people of Virginia recognize that safeguarding the environment is not the work of a single day, but an ongoing commitment that reflects our shared values and our duty to future generations; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia reaffirms its commitment to meeting national climate goals, including collectively achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize April 22, 2026, as EARTH DAY in the Commonwealth of Virginia and call upon all residents to join in activities that honor, protect, and preserve our natural environment.