Good News for Mother Earth

by Madeline Palaszewski There is a lot to be optimistic about as we celebrate spring and Earth Day on the Central Coast. Flowers are in bloom, skies are clear and changes to environmental policies are good news for Mother Earth. The United States has rejoined the Paris Climate Accord. In doing so, we will work with other countries in an effort to combat global climate change.

There is a renewed effort to increase fuel efficiency for vehicles and accelerate the rollout of clean energy such as solar and wind.

Clean water has become a challenge for many communities. There is a renewed commitment to regulating PFAS chemicals found in the drinking water of almost all Americans. According to the National Resources Defense Council, millions of miles of streams and tens of millions of acres of wetlands will once again be protected under the federal Clean Water Act.

There is also good news for wildlife on the horizon. Many rollbacks in protecting wildlife and endangered species are being reviewed and will probably be reversed.

There are many more policy changes that will ultimately protect our environment and our health. So many reasons to smile this Earth Day!