In these hyper partisan times it seems surprising that much of our major environmental protections came about under a Republican administration. In April 1970, the growing outrage over oil spills, pesticide toxicity, chemical dumping, air pollution, ozone damage and the loss of animal species led to huge participation in the first Earth Day.

The teach-ins, rallies and marches around the country contributed to the Nixon administration’s establishment of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency.

This year, you can celebrate Earth Day at a free outdoor festival at Fresno City College on Saturday, hosted by The Environmental Collaborative of Central California and the Fresno City College Math, Science and Engineering Division. You can enjoy music, food trucks and educational activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the West Lawn of the Old Administration Building.

Parking is free but you might want to mark the day by biking there with the Fresno County Bicycle Coalition. At 10 a.m., they are hosting a short, all levels group ride from Fresno City Hall to the event at Fresno City College. You can learn the ABC Quick Check to be sure your bike is safe and how to fix a flat tire at their free bicycle valet. Register and learn more at fresnobike.org.

Our Planet, Our Power

Back in 1970, global warming and the climate chaos it causes were not yet in the public eye. Now it is well established that our warming world is caused by gasses emitted from burning fossil fuels, that get trapped in our atmosphere and create a kind of heat blanket around the Earth. This year’s international theme is Our Planet, Our Power, to highlight the need for rapid transition to clean energy sources.

In some areas, our reliance on coal, oil and gas has led to superstorms and hurricanes, flooding or drought. In our area, we are experiencing things like more super hot days, disruption in crops, and intense wildfires causing bad air and the loss of homes and habitat.

While it is usually Congressional Democrats talking about climate solutions, some of our Republican Members of Congress are reaching out across the aisle to support common sense clean energy initiatives.

For example, David Valadao (CA 22) and Vince Fong (CA 20) both signed a letter to the House Ways and Means Committee, consisting of 21 Republican members of Congress asking to preserve the clean energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act. Even though this bill was passed by Democrats in 2022, millions of dollars in jobs and infrastructure are flowing to Republican districts.

Not only is this great for our local economy, but 50% of the coal, oil and gas emissions reductions predicted from the IRA come from these clean energy credits. Lowering those emissions means cleaner air, a more stable climate and a better future for our children and our children’s children.

How to Help Send Local Students to DC

If you want help to contact your member of Congress to thank them for taking bipartisan action or to ask them to support the IRA clean energy tax credits, you can visit the Citizens’ Climate Lobby booth at Earth Day Fresno.

You can also shop for a cause there, by getting a bargain on gently used housewares, camping supplies, clothes, and more. Your purchases will help send local students to get leadership training and to meet with Valley members of Congress to discuss climate solutions in Washington, D.C., this summer. The nonpartisan nonprofit advocates for effective bipartisan policies to address climate change.

If you want to know what local groups are doing to address problems like plastic pollution, childhood asthma, water conservation, climate change and the need to protect and improve natural habitats, Earth Day Fresno is a great place to eat, play, and learn.

For more info go to EcoCenCal.org.

About the Author

Andrea Farber De Zubiria is a health care provider and concerned grandparent. She volunteers with Citizens’ Climate Lobby Fresno and The League of Women Voters of Fresno. Both are non-partisan, non profit organizations.

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