Res. No. 174 Title Resolution that the Council of the City of New York recognize April 22, 2002 as the 32nd Anniversary of Earth Day with special acknowledgment of the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, commonly known as the Clean Water Act, and encouraging the American people and all levels of government to recognize and celebrate the Nation's environmental accomplishments and recommit to achieving the goals of Earth Day. Body By Council Members Gennaro, Diaz, Fidler, Katz, Koppell, Lopez, Serrano and Weprin; also Council Members Rivera, Rodriguez and Sanders Whereas, The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, during which time an estimated twenty million people in the United States attended events held in every state and nearly every city and county to focus national attention on the environment; and Whereas, Earth Day was designed to make environmental protection a major national issue that elected officials had to address; and Whereas, The first Earth Day inspired legislative activity in Congress, all 50 states and in many municipalities; and Whereas, During the decade that followed, Congress passed 28 major pieces of legislation designed to improve the environment, including the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, commonly known as the Clean Water Act of 1972; and Whereas, Substantial progress has been made in protecting and enhancing water quality since the enactment of the Clean Water Act in 1972, due to concerted efforts by Federal, State, and local governments, the private sector, and the public; and Whereas, the Clean Water Act has improved our ability to maintain our water quality, which is essential to protect public health, fisheries, wildlife, and watersheds, and to ensure abundant opportunities for public recreation and economic development; and Whereas, Clean Water is a natural resource of tremendous value and importance to the Nation; and it is a national responsibility to provide clean water for future generations; and Whereas, Earth Day 2002 bears special significance because it is the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Clean Water Act; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes April 22, 2002 as the 32nd Anniversary of Earth Day with special acknowledgment of the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, commonly known as the Clean Water Act, and encouraging the American people and all levels of government to recognize and celebrate the Nation's environmental accomplishments and recommit to achieving the goals of Earth Day.