Bill · S.Res. 684· Senate(119-SRES-684)
A resolution recognizing the 56th anniversary of Earth Day and the leadership of its founder, Senator Gaylord Nelson.
- Introduced
- 4/22/2026
- Last activity
- 4/22/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S1938)
- Sponsored by
- Tammy Baldwin
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution recognizes April 22, 2026, as the 56th anniversary of Earth Day. It honors the leadership and vision of Senator Gaylord Nelson, who founded the Earth Day movement. The text highlights how the movement launched international environmental awareness and activism. It also notes the historical importance of the first Earth Day, which involved 20,000,000 individuals. Finally, the resolution acknowledges ongoing threats like climate change and environmental degradation.
Yes· 3 of 11
Would children be better off under this?+1
The resolution notes that environmental issues are generational justice issues that will affect the access of future generations to clean water and air.
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+1
The text highlights the history of youth-led environmental and climate activism.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+1
The resolution acknowledges that low-income communities face disproportionate harm from pollution and climate change.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Recognition of Environmental Protection Efforts: The text notes that the Earth Day movement contributed to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the enactment of laws like the Clean Air Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and the Endangered Species Act of 1973. This shows how such movements can lead to federal environmental protections.
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Acknowledgment of Environmental Threats: The resolution identifies specific threats to the well-being and livelihoods of people, such as erosion, flooding, pollution, drought, diseases, pests, and soil degradation. Recognizing these issues is a step in noting what threatens various communities.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Threats to Coastal Communities: The text states that coastal communities are especially vulnerable and are experiencing erosion, flooding, and pollution.
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Threats to Rural and Agricultural Communities: The text states that these communities are facing increased risk of drought, diseases, pests, and soil degradation.
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Impact on Young People and Future Generations: The resolution notes that pollution, environmental degradation, and the climate crisis are issues that will cause future generations to face difficulties accessing clean water and clean air.
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Disproportionate Harm to Specific Groups: The text states that low-income communities and communities of color continue to face disproportionate harm from climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+1Good For Children+1Good For Farmers+1Good For Hispanic Americans+1Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Rural Residents+1Good For Young Adults+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+1Improves Rural Development+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+1Improves Racial Equity+1
- 4/22/2026
- Submitted in Senate
- Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S1938)