Earth Day, 2013

This proclamation designates April 22, 2013 as Earth Day, encouraging Americans to participate in environmental protection activities. It largely recounts past Obama administration environmental accomplishments and calls on Congress to pursue bipartisan climate solutions while directing the Cabinet to develop executive actions on pollution reduction and climate preparedness.

Federal Register Open PDF 78 FR 24325

Impact dates

Apr 22, 2013
Proclaim April 22, 2013 as Earth Day
Apr 22, 2013
Earth Day designated as April 22, 2013

Key directives

Proclaim April 22, 2013 as Earth Day
Encourage all Americans to participate in environmental protection programs and activities
Call on Congress to pursue bipartisan, market-based solution to climate change
Direct Cabinet to come up with executive actions to reduce pollution, prepare communities for climate change consequences, and speed transition to sustainable energy

Timeline

Immediate

Earth Day designated as April 22, 2013

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

Vague 'in the meantime' timing for Cabinet executive actions lacks specificity
Proclamation mixes ceremonial observance with policy rhetoric but binding directives are limited to encouragement
Climate change framing may polarize despite bipartisan call
No concrete mechanism to enforce or measure participation in encouraged activities