Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Garden City), who represents coastal parts of Long Island affected by Superstorm Sandy, issued the following statement on the occasion of Earth Day:
“We celebrate Earth Day every April 22, but we should take care to protect our planet every single day of the year.
“Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy reminded us of many things, including that climate change and shore erosion have real and immediate effects on our health, safety and our livelihoods and that we are desperately dependent upon energy sources we take for granted, like electricity and gasoline.
“There are many small steps each of us can take on a daily basis to help conserve resources and slow the effects of climate change. Planting, recycling, reducing waste, reusing containers, driving fewer miles in more efficient vehicles, using natural light and more efficient bulbs and appliances – all of these small measures, done collectively, can help reduce the kind of pollution that’s hurting our planet and making life in a coastal area like Long Island more and more vulnerable.
“I try to do my part both at work as a legislator and at home as a Long Islander — fighting for smart regulations to protect our natural resources while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and following the practices above as well as using solar power — clean and domestic — to heat and power my home.
“Every American, of all ages in every part of the country, can make every day Earth Day. I salute those everyday heroes and encourage all my constituents to develop habits to help preserve Long Island and our planet.”
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