MADISON – Assembly Assistant Democratic Leader Representative Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) released the following tribute commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day:
This year, I authored a resolution in the State Assembly commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and recognized the important work of our former governor and Earth Day founder, Gaylord Nelson. As we think back to the movement that started Earth Day in the 1970s, the values people were fighting for then are the same as the values we hold today. Gaylord Nelson understood the powerful impact people can have on their environment both positive and negative. That’s why his ‘teach-ins’ were so instrumental in developing an environmental movement and starting a call-to-action that has lasted 50 years.
Remembering Gaylord Nelson’s legacy and Wisconsin’s rich history of conservation is critical as we move forward as a state. We all have a part to play in building a sustainable future for our world and we can be leaders in Wisconsin. This session, I introduced a bill to waive state park fees on April 22nd every year so all Wisconsinites have the opportunity to take in the unmatched beauty of our state’s natural resources and refresh their commitment conserving to our great outdoors.
On this 50th Anniversary, let’s renew investment in sustainability and come together to advocate for the one home we all share, and the only one we have. Our planet is a gift to all of us and we must treat it that way every day. Saving the planet isn’t a job we should wait for our grandchildren to do, this is our responsibility right now.
