Lucas,
There’s a saying I hear frequently on the trail: “Our environment is our economy.” People in the North Country know that our wild open spaces, abundant forests, and crisp air are more than a natural blessing -– they're at the heart of our way of life.
When I think of Earth Day, I’m reminded of trailblazers like John Muir, Teddy Roosevelt, and Noah John Rondeau. These early stewards of the planet knew the value of our environment. Their leadership inspired citizens to take on the outside interests who threaten to spoil the air we breathe, the land we cultivate, and the water we drink and fish in.
This Earth Day weekend, we face an even greater challenge: the growing threat of global climate change. We see many signs of this throughout our region –- dwindling snowfalls for our winter sports, warmer water endangering fisheries, and maple syrup producers facing shorter seasons.
The climate is changing, but it’s not too late for us to act. Yesterday, a record number of countries came together to sign an agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, our current representative would stall this progress. She’s sided with the polluters and against the Clean Power Plan.
I believe that our region’s future depends on leadership that listens to the scientific community. Leadership that recognizes the environment is at the core of our economic future. It’s about our way of life and our health.
I hope you will join in my campaign to protect our environment. The time to act is now!
We don’t get a second try with the environment. But together, we can protect our livelihoods and our region’s resources for generations to come.
Thanks,
Mike Derrick