The Washington Times’ Jennifer Harper writes that “Earth Day has gone from a modest but well-intentioned day of tree-hugging into a multibillion-dollar extravaganza, with the White House setting the pace and the agenda.” She then notes – as a reality check – the forum that will take place at the Nixon Library today:
Not to be overlooked: It was Richard Nixon who was in office during the first Earth Day celebration; he facilitated the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency, the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts and the conversion of more than 80,000 acres of government property into national parks during his term of office.
Three former Nixon administration heavyweights offer proof of it all Thursday at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, Calif. One-time urban and environmental policy adviser Chris DeMuth; the first EPA administrator, William D. Ruckelshaus; and former Undersecretary of the Interior John C. Whitaker will discuss “the original goals of the first Earth Day celebration” and “President Nixon’s ambitious environmental agenda.”
The event can be seen live online at www.nixonfoundation.org from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – and that’s Pacific time, so plan accordingly.