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Originally Processed With FOIA(s): FOIA Number: S FOIA MARKER This is not a textual record. This is used as an administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential Library Staff. Record Group/Collection: George H.W. Bush Presidential Records Collection/Office of Origin: Speechwriting, White House Office of Series: Speech File Draft Files Subseries: Chron File, 1989-1993 OA/ID Number: 13511 Folder ID Number: 13511-003 Folder Title: Environmental Youth Awards 11/15/89 [OA 3557] Stack: Row: Section: Shelf: Position: G 25 6 6 3 THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release November 15, 1989 REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARD RECIPIENTS Room 450 Old Executive Office Building 11:30 A.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: I told Administrator Reilly he looked a little lonely standing up here with all these about-to-be-filled places. But I am very pleased to be here. And let me, at the outset of these remarks, while we're talking about the Environmental Youth Awards, say how proud I am to have Bill Reilly, an outstanding environmentalist, heading this big agency, the EPA, and being at my side as we try to move forward legislatively and every other way our concerns and your concerns about the environment. We're lucky to have a man of his stature doing what he's doing. Speaking of environmentalists, I don't want to embarrass Gil Grosvenor, but there he is -- head of the National Geographic Society. And I think of what they do, every single issue in one way or another, and in many other ways as well, to help in this crusade. It's a pleasure to be about to meet so many young people who are deeply involved in protecting our environment. I am told that you come from as far away as Alaska, from every corner of this beautiful country of ours. And I want to thank you for what you've done and welcome you warmly to the White House. Some people might ask: What can young people do to protect our environment? Well, we had five kids, and there were times when I thought that the kids could make a major improvement in the environment just by cleaning up their rooms. (Laughter.) But I realize now we have broader responsibilities. And anyone who has seen all of you at work knows just how much kids can do to protect and preserve this world that we live in. And I've heard about your projects. I've been briefed on those -- everything from recycling to conservation to some very sophisticated environmental research. Impressive, all of them. But what impresses me the most is how many times you took an idea that began in the classroom out into the community. And every one of your projects is making your communities a little cleaner, a little more pleasant, a little more aware of how much the environment matters. And that's a credit to each of you and to your schools and your teachers and your parents who gave you the necessary encouragement and support. But your work has an impact even beyond your own communities. Your projects teach other kids that no one's ever too young to care about the environment -- and they tell us something else, too: that if kids can be environmentally aware, maybe a few more adults will join in. The fact is that everyone can be an environmentalist, every one of us has got to be. What we're seeing today, not just here, but as Bill knows so well all around the world, is a new sense of urgency about the environment, about the state of our world. MORE - 2 - Greater awareness that pollution and the destruction of our environment hurt all of us -- that everyone of us has a common interest in the fate and the future of this planet, and that it's simply not acceptable to continue to do environmental damage today and leave the cleanup for you and your children to worry about later on. All of your projects are special, but I hope I don't offend anybody, I hope the rest of you won't mind if I mention two projects -- the ones done by our youngest environmentalists. There's last year's 4th grade class here from St. Joseph, Missouri -- I see them smiling away here -- (laughter) -- that decided to adopt a polluted river, adopt the river in their community and clean it up. For one full year, you picked up the litter, tested the water, stocked the river with all kinds of wildlife, and you planted willow trees along the bank, I'm told, to protect against the erosion. I can tell you that, years from now, when you sit on the bank beneath those willows -- maybe with some of your children, some of your grandchildren -- watching that river roll along, you're going to get a very special feeling, then, for what you've done today. There's another group here today -- Marquette, Michigan. Where are they? Right over here, scattered -- all right, I see you guys -- who collected enough money to save an 80-acre stand of white pine trees from being cut down. And you knew how many trees there were and how much it would cost to buy the land -- so you did a litle math and came up with a slogan: "Save a Pine Tree for $155.28." (Laughter.) I've tried to make a habit myself, in various events, of planting trees to call attention to the need to care for the future of this planet. Planting a tree is not an act that we do just for ourselves but for future generations, including future 4th graders from Marquette, Michigan and elsewhere, who haven't even been born yet. Well, the people in your community who heard your slogan thought that saving those trees was worth every penny. What's true about those trees is true about the rest of our environment -- our lakes and our rivers and our streams; our forests and our mountains; the very air we breathe. And nothing gives me more confidence in your generation than to see what you've already done to protect the gifts that nature has given us. Because "America the Beautiful" is more than just a song that we all sing. It's a treasured inheritance. And so together, we can keep it that way -- America the beautiful. So I'm glad to join Bill Reilly in congratulating all of you. And now, with no further ado, he and I have the great pleasure of passing out these awards. Thank you all very, very much. (Applause.) (The awards are presented.) (Applause.) END 11:40 A.M. EST 089337SS Document No. WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 11/13/89 DATE: ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS OEOB, ROOM 450 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989 SUBJECT: 11:30 AM ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD ROGERS CICCONI WINSTON DEMAREST PINKERTON FITZWATER DELAND GRAY PETERSMEYER HAGIN REMARKS: The attached has been forwarded to the President. RESPONSE: James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON November 13, 1989 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT 1989 NOV 13 PM 5: 15 THROUGH: CHRISS WINSTON ew FROM: DAN MCGROARTY DMCM SUBJECT: REMARKS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS I. SUBJECT On Wednesday, November 15, at 11:30 a.m. in Room 450 you will address the winners of the Environmental Youth Awards. About 180 people are expected to attend including the award recipients, their teachers and family. Administrator Reilly will introduce you and help you present the awards after your remarks. II. DISCUSSION The remarks (5 minutes; speechcards) hail the awardees for their efforts to study and clean up the environment. The awardees range from the fourth to twelfth grades, and their experiments vary from cleaning up trash to studying the effects of acid on marble and granite. McGroarty/Blessey November 13, 1989 4:20 pm [ENVIR] PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS OEOB NOVEMBER 15, 1989 11:30 AM Thank you, Bill [EPA Administrator Reilly]. It's a great pleasure for me to meet so many young people so deeply involved in protecting our environment. You've come from as far away as Alaska -- from every corner of this beautiful country of ours -- and I want to thank you for what you've done, and welcome you to the White House. Now, some people might ask: what can young people do to protect our environment? [[ I raised five of my own -- with a little help from Barbara, of course -- and there were times I thought our kids could make a major improvement in the environment just by cleaning their rooms. ]] /// Well, anyone who's seen all of you at work knows just how much kids can do to protect and preserve this world we live in. I've heard about your projects. Everything from recycling, to conservation, to some very sophisticated environmental research. Impressive -- all of them. But what impresses me most is how many times you took an idea that began in the classroom out into the community. Every one of your projects is making your communities a little cleaner -- a little more pleasant -- a little more aware of how much our environment matters. That's a credit to each of you -- and to your schools, your teachers, and your parents who gave you encouragement and support. But your work has an impact even beyond your own communities. Your projects teach other kids that no one's ever too young to care about the environment -- and they tell us something else, too: that if kids can be environmentally aware, maybe a few more adults will join in. The fact is that everyone can be an environmentalist -- and every one of us has got to be. What we're seeing today is a new sense of urgency about the state of our world. Greater awareness that pollution and the destruction of our environment hurt all of us -- that everyone of us has a common interest in the fate and future of this planet. That it's simply not acceptable to continue to do environmental damage today -- and leave the clean- up for you and your children to worry about. All of your projects are special, but I hope the rest of you won't mind if I mention two projects -- the ones done by our youngest environmentalists. There's last year's 4th grade class here from St. Joseph, Missouri that decided to adopt a polluted river in their community, and clean it up. For one full year, you picked up litter, tested the water, stocked that river with all kinds of wildlife -- and you planted willow trees along the bank, to protect against erosion. I can tell you that, years from now, when you sit on the bank beneath those willows -- maybe with some of your children or grandchildren -- watching the river roll along, you'll get a special feeling from what you've done. There's another group here today from Marquette, Michigan, who collected enough money to save an 80-acre stand of white pine trees from being cut down. You knew how many trees there were -- and how much it would cost to buy the land -- so you did a little math and came up with a slogan: "Save a Pine Tree for $155.28." I've tried to make a habit myself of planting trees to call attention to the need to care for the future of this planet. Planting a tree is not an act we do just for ourselves but for future generations, including future 4th graders from Marquette, Michigan and elsewhere, who haven't even been born yet. Well, the people in your community who heard your slogan thought that saving those trees was worth every penny. What's true about those trees is true about the rest of our environment -- our lakes, rivers and streams. Our forests and mountains. The very air we breathe. And nothing gives me more confidence in your generation than to see what you've already done to protect the gifts that nature's given us. Because "America the Beautiful" is more than just a song. It's a treasured inheritance. Together, we can keep it that way. Once again, congratulations to all of you. And now -- with Administrator Reilly's help -- we'll present your awards. # # # ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS / RM 450 OEOB NOVEMBER 15, 1989 / 11:30 AM THANK YOU, BILL [EPA ADMINISTRATOR REILLY]. AND LET ME WELCOME GILBERT GROSVENOR [GROVE-NER], PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY, WHO IS HERE TODAY. IT'S A GREAT PLEASURE FOR ME TO MEET so MANY YOUNG PEOPLE SO DEEPLY INVOLVED IN PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT. YOU'VE COME FROM AS FAR AWAY AS ALASKA -- FROM EVERY CORNER OF THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY OF OURS -- AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE, AND WELCOME YOU TO THE WHITE HOUSE. And let me welcome Gilbert Grosvenor [GROVE-NER], PRESIDENT of THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY, WHO IS HERE TODAY. ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS / RM 450 OEOB NOVEMBER 15, 1989 / 11:30 AM THANK YOU, BILL CEPA ADMINISTRATOR REILLY]. It's A GREAT PLEASURE FOR ME TO MEET so MANY YOUNG PEOPLE so DEEPLY INVOLVED IN PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT. You've COME FROM AS FAR AWAY AS ALASKA -- FROM EVERY CORNER OF THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY OF OURS -- AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE, AND WELCOME YOU TO THE WHITE HOUSE. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON November 13, 1989 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT THROUGH: CHRISS WINSTON ew FROM: DAN MCGROARTY DMCM SUBJECT: REMARKS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS I. SUBJECT On Wednesday, November 15, at 11:30 a.m. in Room 450 you will address the winners of the Environmental Youth Awards. About 180 people are expected to attend including the award recipients, their teachers and family. Administrator Reilly will introduce you and help you present the awards after your remarks. II. DISCUSSION The remarks (5 minutes; speechcards) hail the awardees for their efforts to study and clean up the environment. The awardees range from the fourth to twelfth grades, and their experiments vary from cleaning up trash to studying the effects of acid on marble and granite. McGroarty/Blessey November 13, 1989 4:20 pm [ENVIR] PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS OEOB NOVEMBER 15, 1989 11:30 AM Thank you, Bill [EPA Administrator Reilly]. It's a great pleasure for me to meet so many young people so deeply involved in protecting our environment. You've come from as far away as Alaska -- from every corner of this beautiful country of ours -- and I want to thank you for what you've done, and welcome you to the White House. Now, some people might ask: what can young people do to protect our environment? [[ I raised five of my own -- with a little help from Barbara, of course -- and there were times I thought our kids could make a major improvement in the environment just by cleaning their rooms. ]] /// Well, anyone who's seen all of you at work knows just how much kids can do to protect and preserve this world we live in. I've heard about your projects. Everything from recycling, to conservation, to some very sophisticated environmental research. Impressive -- all of them. But what impresses me most is how many times you took an idea that began in the classroom out into the community. Every one of your projects is making your communities a little cleaner -- a little more pleasant -- a little more aware of how much our environment matters. That's a credit to each of you -- and to your schools, your teachers, and your parents who gave you encouragement and support. But your work has an impact even beyond your own communities. Your projects teach other kids that no one's ever too young to care about the environment -- and they tell us something else, too: that if kids can be environmentally aware, maybe a few more adults will join in. The fact is that everyone can be an environmentalist -- and every one of us has got to be. What we're seeing today is a new sense of urgency about the state of our world. Greater awareness that pollution and the destruction of our environment hurt all of us -- that everyone of us has a common interest in the fate and future of this planet. That it's simply not acceptable to continue to do environmental damage today -- and leave the clean- up for you and your children to worry about. All of your projects are special, but I hope the rest of you won't mind if I mention two projects -- the ones done by our youngest environmentalists. There's last year's 4th grade class here from St. Joseph, Missouri that decided to adopt a polluted river in their community, and clean it up. For one full year, you picked up litter, tested the water, stocked that river with all kinds of wildlife -- and you planted willow trees along the bank, to protect against erosion. I can tell you that, years from now, when you sit on the bank beneath those willows -- maybe with some of your children or grandchildren -- watching the river roll along, you'll get a special feeling from what you've done. There's another group here today from Marquette, Michigan, who collected enough money to save an 80-acre stand of white pine trees from being cut down. You knew how many trees there were -- and how much it would cost to buy the land -- so you did a little math and came up with a slogan: "Save a Pine Tree for $155.28." I've tried to make a habit myself of planting trees to call attention to the need to care for the future of this planet. Planting a tree is not an act we do just for ourselves but for future generations, including future 4th graders from Marquette, Michigan and elsewhere, who haven't even been born yet. Well, the people in your community who heard your slogan thought that saving those trees was worth every penny. What's true about those trees is true about the rest of our environment -- our lakes, rivers and streams. Our forests and mountains. The very air we breathe. And nothing gives me more confidence in your generation than to see what you've already done to protect the gifts that nature's given us. Because "America the Beautiful" is more than just a song. It's a treasured inheritance. Together, we can keep it that way. Once again, congratulations to all of you. And now -- with Administrator Reilly's help -- we'll present your awards. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON November 13, 1989 Memorandum to Chriss Winston From: Jim Pinkerton JP (by A7) Subject: Environmental Youth Awards Draft Speech pg. 3, para. 2, lines 1-6 "There's another group of 4th graders here who collected enough money to save an 80-acre stand of white pines. " This seems the perfect place to make some passing reference to the President's now customary and increaingly noticed ceremonial tree-planting. Perhaps some line like the following would be appropriate: "I've to tried to make a habit myself of planting trees as a way of symbolically calling attention to the need to care for the future of this planet. It's worth remembering that planting a tree is not an act we do just for ourselves but for future generations, including future 4th graders from Marquette, Michigan and elsewhere, who haven't even been born yet." ### insert. A 15 : Olv EI 100 68 089337SS Document No. WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 11/10/89 DATE: ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 11/13/89 2:00 PM SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD ROGERS CICCONI WINSTON DEMAREST PINKERTON FITZWATER DELAND GRAY PETERSMEYER HAGIN REMARKS: Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 PM, Monday, November 13, with a copy to my office. Thank you. RESPONSE: James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 089337SS Document No. WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 11/10/89 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 11/13/89 2:00 PM DATE: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS SUBJECT: ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD ROGERS CICCONI WINSTON DEMAREST PINKERTON FITZWATER DELAND GRAY no legal objection PETERSMEYER HAGIN REMARKS: Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 PM, Monday, November 13, with a copy to my office. Thank you. RESPONSE: EPA - don't Day "kids". Say "young people" pg2 last line satisfaction replace feelings LE :8v EI 100 68 James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 McGroarty/Blessey November 9, 1989 5:00 pm [ENVIR] 1989 NOV - 9 PM 6: 12 PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS OEOB NOVEMBER 15, 1989 see Steph. A's B's 11:30 AM Thank you, Bill [EPA Administrator Reilly]. [Introductory acknowledgements. It's a great pleasure for me to meet so many young people so deeply involved in protecting our environment. You've come from as far away as Alaska -- from every corner of this beautiful country of ours -- and I want to thank you for what you've done, and welcome you to the White House. young people Now, some people might ask: what can kids do to protect our environment? [[ I raised five children of my own -- with a little help from Barbara, of course -- and there were times I thought our kids could make a major improvement to in the environment just by cleaning their rooms. ]] /// Well, anyone who's seen all of you at work knows just how much kids can do to protect and preserve this world we live in. I've heard about your projects. Everything from recycling, to conservation, to some very sophisticated environmental research. Impressive -- all of them. But what impresses me most is how many times you took an idea that began in the classroom out into the community. Every one of your projects is making your communities a little cleaner -- a little more pleasant -- a little more aware of how much our environment matters. That's a credit to each of you -- and to your schools your and teachers who gave you encouragement and support. and your parents But your work has an impact even beyond your own communities. Your projects teach other kids that no one's ever too young to care about the environment -- and they tell us something else, too: that if kids can be environmentally aware, maybe a few more adults will join in. The fact is that everyone can be an environmentalist -- and every one of us has got to be. What we're seeing today is a new sense of urgency about the state of our world. Greater awareness that pollution and the destruction of our environment hurt all of us -- that everyone of us has a common interest in the fate and future of this planet. That it's simply not acceptable to continue to do environmental damage today -- and leave the clean- up for you and your children to worry about. All of your projects are special, but I hope the rest of you won't mind if I mention two projects -- the ones done by our last year's youngest environmentalists. There's 4th grade class here from St. Joseph, Missouri that decided to adopt a polluted river in their community, and clean it up. For one full year, you picked up litter, tested the water, stocked that river with all kinds of ? wildlife -- and you planted willow trees along the bank, to that protect against erosion. I can tell you, years from now, when people you sit on the bank beneath those willows -- maybe some of with your children or grandchildren -- watching the river roll along, you'll get a special feeling from what you've done. There's another group of 4th graders here today from Marquette, Michigan, who collected enough money to save an 80- from being cutdown. acre stand of white pine trees. You knew how many trees there were -- and how much it would cost to buy the land -- so you did came with Pine a little math and thought up, a slogan: "Save as Tree for 8 $155.26.' Well, the people in your community who heard that your slogan thought that saving those trees was worth every penny. What's true about those trees is true about the rest of our environment -- our lakes, rivers and streams. Our forests and Jorel mountains. The air we breathe. And nothing gives me more confidence in your generation than to see what you've already done to protect the gifts that nature's given us. Because Its a heasured "America the beautiful" is more than just a song. Together, we can keep it that way. Once again, congratulations to all of you. And now -- with Administrator Reilly's help -- we'll present your awards. # # # insert A inheri take mseaka I've tried to make a habit myself of planting hus THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON November 13, 1989 MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNICATIONS FROM: JEFFREY R. HOLMSTEAD JRH ASSISTANT COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT SUBJECT: Presidential Remarks: Environmental Youth Awards Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced draft and has no objection to it from a legal standpoint. Thank you for the opportunity to review this matter. CC: James W. Cicconi 18 : Olv ₱100.68 McGroarty/Blessey November 9, 1989 5:00 pm [ENVIR] 1989 NOV -9 PM 6: 12 PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS OEOB NOVEMBER 15, 1989 11:30 AM Thank you, Bill [EPA Administrator Reilly]. [Introductory acknowledgements.] It's a great pleasure for me to meet so many young people so deeply involved in protecting our environment. You've come from as far away as Alaska -- from every corner of this beautiful country of ours -- and I want to thank you for what you've done, and welcome you to the White House. Now, some people might ask: what can kids do to protect our environment? [[ I raised five children of my own -- with a little help from Barbara, of course -- and there were times I thought our kids could make a major improvement to the environment just by cleaning their rooms. 1] /// Well, anyone who's seen all of you at work knows just how much kids can do to protect and preserve this world we live in. I've heard about your projects. Everything from recycling, to conservation, to some very sophisticated environmental research. Impressive -- all of them. But what impresses me most is how many times you took an idea that began in the classroom out into the community. Every one of your projects is making your communities a little cleaner -- a little more pleasant -- a little more aware of how much our environment matters. That's a credit to each of you -- and to your schools and teachers who gave you encouragement and support. But your work has an impact even beyond your own communities. Your projects teach other kids that no one's ever too young to care about the environment -- and they tell us something else, too: that if kids can be environmentally aware, maybe a few more adults will join in. The fact is that everyone can be an environmentalist -- and every one of us has got to be. What we're seeing today is a new sense of urgency about the state of our world. Greater awareness that pollution and the destruction of our environment hurt all of us -- that everyone of us has a common interest in the fate and future of this planet. That it's simply not acceptable to continue to do environmental damage today -- and leave the clean- up for you and your children to worry about. All of your projects are special, but I hope the rest of you won't mind if I mention two projects -- the ones done by our youngest environmentalists. There's a 4th grade class here from St. Joseph, Missouri -- that decided to adopt a polluted river in their community, and clean it up. For one full year, you picked up litter, tested the water, stocked that river with all kinds of wildlife -- and you planted willow trees along the bank, to protect against erosion. I can tell you, years from now, when people sit on the bank beneath those willows -- maybe some of your children or grandchildren -- watching the river roll along, you'll get a special feeling from what you've done. There's another group of 4th graders here today from Marquette, Michigan, who collected enough money to save an 80- acre stand of white pine trees. You knew how many trees there were -- and how much it would cost to buy the land -- so you did a little math and thought up a slogan: "Save a Tree for $155.26.* Well, the people in your community who heard that slogan thought that saving those trees was worth every penny. What's true about those trees is true about the rest of our environment -- our lakes, rivers and streams. Our forests and mountains. The air we breathe. And nothing gives me more confidence in your generation than to see what you've already done to protect the gifts that nature's given us. Because "America the beautiful" is more than just a song. Together, we can keep it that way. Once again, congratulations to all of you. And now -- with Administrator Reilly's help -- we'll present your awards. # # # SENT BY:CEQ Jackson PI. :11-13-89 ; 2:22PM ; 2023953744- 4566218;# 1 EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 722 JACKSON PLACE NW WASHINGTON. DC 20503 DATE: November 13, 1989 TO: Chriss Winston TELEPHONE NUMBER: 2930 SUBJECT OF MATERIAL: President's Remarks NUMBER OF PAGES: 2 MESSAGE: FROM: David Struhs TELEPHONE NUMBER: 395-3743 FAX NUMBER: FTS: 395-3928 2:22 2 :2d €100.68 -SENT BY:CEQ Jackson P1. 11-13-89 ; 2:23PM ; 2023953744- 45652181# 2 EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 722 JACKSON PLACE, NW. WASHINGTON, DC 20503 MEMORANDUM DATE: November 13, 1989 FROM: David Struhs PBS Staff Director TO: James W. Cicconi Asst. to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Chriss Winston Room 122 CEOB President's Remarks: Environmental Youth Awards The circulated draft remarks are generally good. CEQ does have three suggestions: 1. This year's award winners, of which there are ten, range from grade 4 to grade 12. Consequently, we would urge the President to refer to the award winners not as "kids" but as students, youth, young people, the next generation of leaders etc. The older students would appreciate this consideration. 2. The President might also want to note that four of this year's winners have been interviewed on film about their projects by the National Geographic Society. 3. The draft remarks give credit to schools and teachers for supporting the student projects. Parents should probably be added here (page 2). 089337SS Document No. WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 11/10/89 11/13/89 2:00 PM DATE: ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS SUBJECT: ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD ROGERS CICCONI WINSTON DEMAREST PINKERTON FITZWATER DELAND GRAY PETERSMEYER HAGIN REMARKS: Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 PM, Monday, November 13, with a copy to my office. Thank you. RESPONSE: OK. S.R. James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 McGroarty/Blessey November 9, 1989 5:00 pm [ENVIR] 1989 NOV -9 PM 6: 12 PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS OEOB NOVEMBER 15, 1989 11:30 AM Thank you, Bill [EPA Administrator Reilly]. [Introductory acknowledgements.] It's a great pleasure for me to meet so many young people so deeply involved in protecting our environment. You've come from as far away as Alaska -- from every corner of this beautiful country of ours -- and I want to thank you for what you've done, and welcome you to the White House. Now, some people might ask: what can kids do to protect our environment? [[ I raised five children of my own -- with a little help from Barbara, of course -- and there were times I thought our kids could make a major improvement to the environment just by cleaning their rooms. ]] /// Well, anyone who's seen all of you at work knows just how much kids can do to protect and preserve this world we live in. I've heard about your projects. Everything from recycling, to conservation, to some very sophisticated environmental research. Impressive -- all of them. But what impresses me most is how many times you took an idea that began in the classroom out into the community. Every one of your projects is making your communities a little cleaner -- a little more pleasant -- a little more aware of how much our environment matters. That's a credit to each of you -- and to your schools and teachers who gave you encouragement and support. But your work has an impact even beyond your own communities. Your projects teach other kids that no one's ever too young to care about the environment -- and they tell us something else, too: that if kids can be environmentally aware, maybe a few more adults will join in. The fact is that everyone can be an environmentalist -- and every one of us has got to be. What we're seeing today is a new sense of urgency about the state of our world. Greater awareness that pollution and the destruction of our environment hurt all of us -- that everyone of us has a common interest in the fate and future of this planet. That it's simply not acceptable to continue to do environmental damage today -- and leave the clean- up for you and your children to worry about. All of your projects are special, but I hope the rest of you won't mind if I mention two projects -- the ones done by our youngest environmentalists. There's a 4th grade class here from St. Joseph, Missouri -- that decided to adopt a polluted river in their community, and clean it up. For one full year, you picked up litter, tested the water, stocked that river with all kinds of wildlife -- and you planted willow trees along the bank, to protect against erosion. I can tell you, years from now, when people sit on the bank beneath those willows -- maybe some of your children or grandchildren -- watching the river roll along, you'll get a special feeling from what you've done. There's another group of 4th graders here today from Marquette, Michigan, who collected enough money to save an 80- acre stand of white pine trees. You knew how many trees there were -- and how much it would cost to buy the land -- so you did a little math and thought up a slogan: "Save a Tree for $155.26." Well, the people in your community who heard that slogan thought that saving those trees was worth every penny. What's true about those trees is true about the rest of our environment -- our lakes, rivers and streams. Our forests and mountains. The air we breathe. And nothing gives me more confidence in your generation than to see what you've already done to protect the gifts that nature's given us. Because "America the beautiful" is more than just a song. Together, we can keep it that way. Once again, congratulations to all of you. And now -- with Administrator Reilly's help -- we'll present your awards. # # # 089337SS Document No. WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 11/10/89 DATE: ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 11/13/89 2:00 PM PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS SUBJECT: ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD ROGERS CICCONI WINSTON DEMAREST PINKERTON FITZWATER DELAND GRAY PETERSMEYER HAGIN REMARKS: Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 PM, Monday, November 13, with a copy to my office. Thank you. RESPONSE: See comments 21 : 22 EI €100.68 100 James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 McGroarty/Blessey November 9, 1989 5:00 pm [ENVIR] 1989 NOV -9 PM 6: 12 PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS OEOB NOVEMBER 15, 1989 11:30 AM Thank you, Bill [EPA Administrator Reilly]. [Introductory acknowledgements.] It's a great pleasure for me to meet so many young people so deeply involved in protecting our environment. You've come from as far away as Alaska -- from every corner of this beautiful country of ours -- and I want to thank you for what you've done, and welcome you to the White House. Now, some people might ask: what can kids do to protect our environment? [[ I raised five children of my own -- with a little help from Barbara, of course -- and there were times I in Molen thought our kids could make a major improvement to the X3060 environment just by cleaning their rooms. ]] /// Well, anyone who's seen all of you at work knows just how much kids can do to protect and preserve this world we live in. I've heard about your projects. Everything from recycling, to conservation, to some very sophisticated environmental research. Impressive -- all of them. But what impresses me most is how many times you took an idea that began in the classroom out into the community. Every one of your projects is making your communities a little cleaner Mean -- a little more pleasant -- a little more aware of how much our X3060 environment matters. That's a credit to each of you -- and to your schools and teachers who gave you encouragement and support. But your work has an impact even beyond your own communities. Your projects teach other kids that no one's ever too young to care about the environment -- and they tell us something else, too: that if kids can be environmentally aware, maybe a few more adults will join in. The fact is that everyone can be an environmentalist -- and every one of us has got to be. What we're seeing today is a new sense of urgency about the state of our world. Greater awareness that pollution and the destruction of our environment hurt all of us -- that everyone of us has a common interest in the fate and future of this planet. That it's simply not acceptable to continue to do environmental damage today -- and leave the clean- up for you and your children to worry about. molding X3060 All of your projects are special, but I hope the rest of you won't mind if I mention two projects -- the ones done by our youngest environmentalists. There's a 4th grade class here from more 09-27 St. Joseph, Missouri that decided to adopt a polluted river in their community, and clean it up. For one full year, you picked up litter, tested the water, stocked that river with all kinds of wildlife -- and you planted willow trees along the bank, to that moll protect against erosion. I can tell you years from now, when people sit on the bank beneath those willows -- maybe some of your children or grandchildren -- watching the river roll along, you'll get a special feeling from what you've done. There's another group of 4th graders here today from Marquette, Michigan, who collected enough money to save an 80- acre stand of white pine trees. You knew how many trees there were -- and how much it would cost to buy the land -- so you did a little math and thought up a slogan: "Save a Tree for $155.26." Well, the people in your community who heard that slogan thought that saving those trees was worth every penny. What's true about those trees is true about the rest of our environment -- our lakes, rivers and streams. Our forests and mountains. The air we breathe. And nothing gives me more confidence in your generation than to see what you've already done to protect the gifts that nature's given us. Because initial cap "America the beautiful" is more than just a song. Together, we can keep it that way. Once again, congratulations to all of you. And now -- with Administrator Reilly's help -- we'll present your awards. # # # Blessay's Des McGroarty/Blessey November 9, 1989 5:00 pm [ENVIR] 1989 NOV -9 PM 6: 12 PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS OEOB NOVEMBER 15, 1989 11:30 AM Thank you, Bill [EPA Administrator Reilly]. [Introductory~ V acknowledgements.] It's a great pleasure for me to meet so many young people so deeply involved in protecting our environment. You've come from as far away as Alaska -- from every corner of this beautiful country of ours -- and I want to thank you for what you've done, and welcome you to the White House. Now, some people might ask: what can kids do to protect our environment? [[ I raised five children of my own -- with a little help from Barbara, of course -- and there were times I thought our kids could make a major improvement to the environment just by cleaning their rooms. ]] 111 Well, anyone who's seen all of you at work knows just how much kids can do to protect and preserve this world we live in. I've heard about your projects. Everything from recycling, to conservation, to some very sophisticated environmental research. Impressive -- all of them. But what impresses me most is how many times you took an idea that began in the classroom out into the community. Every one of your projects is making your communities a little cleaner -- a little more pleasant -- a little more aware of how much our environment matters. That's a credit to each of you -- and to your schools and teachers who gave you encouragement and support. But your work has an impact even beyond your own communities. Your projects teach other kids that no one's ever too young to care about the environment -- and they tell us something else, too: that if kids can be environmentally aware, maybe a few more adults will join in. The fact is that everyone can be an environmentalist -- and every one of us has got to be. What we're seeing today is a new sense of urgency about the state of our world. Greater awareness that pollution and the destruction of our environment hurt all of us -- that everyone of us has a common interest in the fate and future of this planet. That it's simply not acceptable to continue to do environmental damage today -- and leave the clean- up for you and your children to worry about. All of your projects are special, but I hope the rest of you won't mind if I mention two projects the ones done by our lost year's youngest environmentalists. There's a 4th grade class here from St. Joseph, Missouri -- that decided to adopt a polluted river in their community, and clean it up. For one full year, you picked up litter, tested the water, stocked that river with all kinds of wildlife -- and you planted willow trees along the bank, to protect against erosion. I can tell you, years from now, when people sit on the bank beneath those willows -- maybe some of your children or grandchildren -- watching the river roll along, you'll get a special feeling from what you've done. There's another group of lost/year's 4th graders here today from Marquette, Michigan, who collected enough money to save an 80- acre stand of white pine trees. You knew how many trees there were -- and how much it would cost to buy the land so you did Pine a little math and thought up a slogan: "Save a 1 Tree for X X $155.26 26 Well, the people in your community who heard that slogan thought that saving those trees was worth every penny. What's true about those trees is true about the rest of our environment -- our lakes, rivers and streams. Our forests and mountains. The air we breathe. And nothing gives me more confidence in your generation than to see what you've already done to protect the gifts that nature's given us. Because "America the beautiful" is more than just a song. Together, we can keep it that way. Once again, congratulations to all of you. And now -- with Administrator Reilly's help -- we'll present your awards. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE 1 WASHINGTON Date: 11/10/81 TO: Chriss Winston FROM: Office CLARK of KENT National ERVIN Service 10c x6266 Action Your Comment Let's Talk FYI Attachet are are commuter on the Environmental Youth Awards Remale to two resident. 089337SS Document No. WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 11/10/89 DATE: ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 11/13/89 2:00 PM PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS SUBJECT: ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD ROGERS CICCONI WINSTON DEMAREST PINKERTON FITZWATER DELAND GRAY PETERSMEYER HAGIN REMARKS: Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 PM, Monday, November 13, with a copy to my office. Thank you. RESPONSE: pt : 11v EI 130.68 68 James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 McGroarty/Blessey November 9, 1989 5:00 pm [ENVIR] 1989 NOV -9 PM 6: 12 PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS OEOB NOVEMBER 15, 1989 11:30 AM your paple Thank you, Bill [EPA Administrator Reilly]. [Introductory acknowledgements.] It's a great pleasure for me to meet so many young people so deeply involved in protecting our environment. You've come from as far away as Alaska -- from every corner of this beautiful country of ours -- and I want to thank you for what you've done, and welcome you to the White House. kids Now, some people might ask: what can kids do to protect our environment? [[ I raised five children of my own -- with a pegonative to mind my Vt little help from Barbara, of course -- and there were times I thought our kids could make a major improvement to the environment just by cleaning their rooms. ]] in which /// Well, anyone who's seen all of you at work knows just how much kids can do to protect and preserve this world/we live in. Since ohay here to I've heard about your projects. Everything from recycling, to conservation, to some very sophisticated environmental research. referring challes own Impressive -- all of them. But what impresses me most is how many times you took an idea that began in the classroom out into the community. Every one of your projects is making your communities a little cleaner -- a little more pleasant -- a little more aware of how much our your people environment matters. That's a credit to each of you -- and to your schools and teachers who gave you encouragement and support. But your work has an impact even beyond your own You people communities. Your projects teach other kids that no one's ever too young to care about the environment and they tell us something else, too: that if kids can be environmentally aware, maybe a few more adults will join in. The fact is that everyone can be an environmentalist -- and every one of us has got to be. What we're seeing today is a new sense of urgency about the state of our world. Greater awareness that pollution and the destruction of our environment hurt all of us -- that everyone of us has a common interest in the fate and Must future of this planet That it's simply not acceptable to continue to do environmental damage today -- and leave the clean- up for you and your children to worry about. the All of your projects are special, but I hope the rest of you won't mind if I mention two projects -- the ones done by our youngest environmentalists. There's a 4th grade class here from St. Joseph, Missouri that decided to adopt a polluted river in their community, and clean it up. For one full year, you picked up litter, tested the water, stocked that river with all kinds of wildlife -- and you planted willow trees along the bank, to protect against erosion. I can tell you, years from now, when people sit on the bank beneath those willows -- maybe some of your children or grandchildren -- watching the river roll along, you'll get a special feeling from what you've done. among you There's another group of 4th graders here today from Marquette, Michigan, who collected enough money to save an 80- acre stand of white pine trees. You knew how many trees there were -- and how much it would cost to buy the land -- so you did a little math and thought up a slogan: "Save a Tree for $155.26 Well, the people in your community who heard that slogan densed thought that saving those trees was worth every penny. What's true about those trees is true about the rest of our environment -- our lakes, rivers and streams Our forests and mountains. The air we breathe. And nothing gives me more confidence in your generation than to see what you've already done to protect the gifts that nature's given us. Because "America the beautiful" is more than just a song. Together, we can keep it that way. Once again, congratulations to all of you. And now -- with Administrator Reilly's help -- we'll present your awards. # # # 089337SS Document No. WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 11/10/89 DATE: ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 11/13/89 2:00 PM PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS SUBJECT: ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD ROGERS CICCONI WINSTON DEMAREST PINKERTON FITZWATER DELAND GRAY PETERSMEYER HAGIN REMARKS: Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 PM, Monday, November 13, with a copy to my office. Thank you. RESPONSE: Please we comments. 11/10/89 to I : Olv €1100.68 James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 McGroarty/Blessey November 9, 1989 5:00 pm [ENVIR] 1989 NOV - -9 PM 6: 12 PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS OEOB NOVEMBER 15, 1989 11:30 AM Thank you, Bill [EPA Administrator Reilly]. [Introductory acknowledgements.] It's a great pleasure for me to meet so many young people so deeply involved in protecting our environment. You've come from as far away as Alaska -- from every corner of this beautiful country of ours -- and I want to thank you for what you've done, and welcome you to the White House. Now, some people might ask: what can kids do to protect our environment? [[ I raised five children of my own -- with a little help from Barbara, of course -- and there were times I thought our kids could make a major improvement to the environment just by cleaning their rooms. ]] /// Well, anyone who's seen all of you at work knows just how much kids can do to protect and preserve this world we live in. I've heard about your projects. Everything from recycling, to conservation, to some very sophisticated environmental research. Impressive -- all of them. But what impresses me most is how many times you took an idea that began in the classroom out into the community. Every one of your projects is making your communities a little cleaner -- a little more pleasant -- a little more aware of how much our environment matters. That's a credit to each of you -- and to your schools and teachers who gave you encouragement and support. But your work has an impact even beyond your own communities. Your projects teach other kids that no one's ever too young to care about the environment -- and they tell us something else, too: that if kids can be environmentally aware, maybe a few more adults will join in. The fact is that everyone can be an environmentalist -- and every one of us has got to be. What we're seeing today is a new sense of urgency about the state of our world. Greater awareness that pollution and the destruction of our environment hurt all of us -- that everyone of us has a common interest in the fate and future of this planet. That it's simply not acceptable to continue to do environmental damage today -- and leave the clean- up for you and your children to worry about. All of your projects are special, but I hope the rest of you won't mind if I mention two projects -- the ones done by our youngest environmentalists. There's a 4th grade class here from St. Joseph, Missouri -- that decided to adopt a polluted river in their community, and clean it up. For one full year, you picked the up litter, tested the water, stocked that river with all kinds of with Bish wildlife -- and you planted willow trees along the bank, to protect against erosion. I can tell you, years from now, when with people you sit on the bank beneath those willows -- maybe some of A enjoying your children or grandchildren -- watching the river roll along, you'll get a special feeling from what you've done. watching a river voll along that was once too polluted to enjoy, went w on their out and There's another group of 4th graders here today from Marquette, Michigan, who collected enough money to save an 80- from being wt down. acre stand of white pine trees, You knew how many trees there were -- and how much it would cost to buy the land -- so you did a little math and thought up a slogan: "Save a Tree for $155.26." Well, the people in your community who heard that slogan thought that saving those trees was worth every penny. that river in missouri and What's true about, those trees is true about the rest of our in michigan environment -- our lakes, rivers and streams. Our forests and Jery mountains. The air we breathe. And nothing gives me more confidence in your generation than to see what you've already done to protect the gifts that nature's given us. Because "America the beautiful" is more than just a song. Together, we can keep it that way. Once again, congratulations to all of you. And now -- with Administrator Reilly's help -- we'll present your awards. # # # 089337SS Document No. WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 11/10/89 DATE: ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 11/13/89 2:00 PM PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS SUBJECT: ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD ROGERS CICCONI WINSTON DEMAREST PINKERTON FITZWATER DELAND PETERSMEYER GRAY HAGIN REMARKS: Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 PM, Monday, November 13, with a copy to my office. Thank you. RESPONSE: minor comments AP 02:00 E/100 James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 McGroarty/Blessey November 9, 1989 5:00 pm [ENVIR] 1989 NOV -9 PM 6: 12 PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS OEOB NOVEMBER 15, 1989 11:30 AM Thank you, Bill [EPA Administrator Reilly]. [Introductory acknowledgements.] It's a great pleasure for me to meet so many young people so deeply involved in protecting our environment. You've come from as far away as Alaska -- from every corner of this beautiful country of ours -- and I want to thank you for what you've done, and welcome you to the White House. Now, some people might ask: what can kids do to protect our environment? [[ I raised five children of my own -- with a little help from Barbara, of course -- and there were times I thought our kids could make a major improvement to the environment just by cleaning their rooms. ]] /// Well, anyone who's seen all of you at work knows just how much kids can do to protect and preserve this world we live in. I've heard about your projects. Everything from recycling, to conservation, to some very sophisticated environmental research. Impressive -- all of them. But what impresses me most is how many times you took an idea that began in the classroom out into the community. Every one of your projects is making your communities a little cleaner -- a little more pleasant -- a little more aware of how much our environment matters. That's a credit to each of you -- and to your schools and teachers who gave you encouragement and support. But your work has an impact even beyond your own communities. Your projects teach other kids that no one's ever too young to care about the environment -- and they tell us something else, too: that if kids can be environmentally aware, I pride myself on being an environment. maybe a few more adults will join in. But The fact is that everyone can be one an environmentalist -- and shouldangone every one of us has got to be. What we're seeing today is a new sense of urgency about the state of our world. Greater awareness that pollution and the destruction of our environment hurt all of us -- that everyone of us has a common interest in the fate and future of this planet. That it's simply not acceptable to continue to do environmental damage today -- and leave the clean- up for you and your children to worry about. All of your projects are special, but I hope the rest of you won't mind if I mention two projects -- the ones done by our youngest environmentalists. There's a 4th grade class here from St. Joseph, Missouri -- that decided to adopt a polluted river in their community, and clean it up. For one full year, you picked up litter, tested the water, stocked that river with all kinds of wildlife -- and you planted willow trees along the bank, to protect against erosion. I can tell you, years from now, when people sit on the bank beneath those willows -- maybe some of your children or grandchildren -- watching the river roll along, you'll get a special feeling from what you've done. There's another group of 4th graders here today from Marquette, Michigan, who collected enough money to save an 80- acre stand of white pine trees. You knew how many trees there were -- and how much it would cost to buy the land -- so you did a little math and thought up a slogan: "Save a Tree for $155.26." Well, the people in your community who heard that slogan thought that saving those trees was worth every penny. What's true about those trees is true about the rest of our environment -- our lakes, rivers and streams. Our forests and mountains. The air we breathe. And nothing gives me more confidence in your generation than to see what you've already done to protect the gifts that nature's given us. Because "America the beautiful" is more than just a song. Together, a It's can keep it that way. Once again, congratulations to all of you. And now -- with Administrator Reilly's help -- we'll present your awards. # # # McGroarty/Blessey November 9, 1989 5:00 pm [ENVIR] PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS OEOB NOVEMBER 15, 1989 11:30 AM Thank you, Bill [EPA Administrator Reilly]. [Introductory acknowledgements.] It's a great pleasure for me to meet so many young people so deeply involved in protecting our environment. You've come from as far away as Alaska -- from every corner of this beautiful country of ours -- and I want to thank you for what you've done, and welcome you to the White House. Now, some people might ask: what can kids do to protect our environment? [[ I raised five children of my own --- with a little help from Barbara, of course -- and there were times I thought our kids could make a major improvement to the environment just by cleaning their rooms. ]] /// Well, anyone who's seen all of you at work knows just how much kids can do to protect and preserve this world we live in. I've heard about your projects. Everything from recycling, to conservation, to some very sophisticated environmental research. Impressive -- all of them. But what impresses me most is how many times you took an idea that began in the classroom out into the community. Every one of your projects is making your communities a little cleaner -- a little more pleasant -- a little more aware of how much our environment matters. That's a credit to each of you -- and to your schools and teachers who gave you encouragement and support. But your work has an impact even beyond your own communities. Your projects teach other kids that no one's ever too young to care about the environment -- and they tell us something else, too: that if kids can be environmentally aware, maybe a few more adults will join in. The fact is that everyone can be an environmentalist -- and every one of us has got to be. What we're seeing today is a new sense of urgency about the state of our world. Greater awareness that pollution and the destruction of our environment hurt all of us -- that everyone of us has a common interest in the fate and future of this planet. That it's simply not acceptable to continue to do environmental damage today -- and leave the clean- up for you and your children to worry about. All of your projects are special, but I hope the rest of you won't mind if I mention two projects -- the ones done by our youngest environmentalists. There's a 4th grade class here from St. Joseph, Missouri -- that decided to adopt a polluted river in their community, and clean it up. For one full year, you picked up litter, tested the water, stocked that river with all kinds of wildlife -- and you planted willow trees along the bank, to protect against erosion. I can tell you, years from now, when people sit on the bank beneath those willows -- maybe some of your children or grandchildren -- watching the river roll along, you'll get a special feeling from what you've done. If There's another group of 4th graders here today from Marquette, Michigan, who collected enough money to save an 80- acre stand of white pine trees. You knew how many trees there were -- and how much it would cost to buy the land -- so you did a little math and thought up a slogan: "Save a Tree for $155.26." Well, the people in your community who heard that slogan thought that saving those trees was worth every penny. What's true about those trees is true about the rest of our environment -- our lakes, rivers and streams. Our forests and mountains. The air we breathe. And nothing gives me more confidence in your generation than to see what you've already done to protect the gifts that nature's given us. Because "America the beautiful" is more than just a song. Together, we can keep it that way. Once again, congratulations to all of you. And now -- with Administrator Reilly's help -- we'll present your awards. # # # 089337SS Document No. WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 11/10/89 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 11/13/89 2:00 PM DATE: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS SUBJECT: ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD ROGERS CICCONI WINSTON DEMAREST PINKERTON FITZWATER DELAND GRAY PETERSMEYER HAGIN REMARKS: Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 PM, Monday, November 13, with a copy to my office. Thank you. RESPONSE: bee James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 McGroarty/Blessey November 9, 1989 5:00 pm [ENVIR] 1989 NOV -9 PM 6: 12 PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS OEOB NOVEMBER 15, 1989 11:30 AM Thank you, Bill [EPA Administrator Reilly]. [Introductory acknowledgements.] It's a great pleasure for me to meet so many young people so deeply involved in protecting our environment. You've come from as far away as Alaska -- from every corner of this beautiful country of ours -- and I want to thank you for what you've done, and welcome you to the White House. young people. Now, some people might ask: what can kids do to protect our environment? [[ I raised five children of my own -- with a little help from Barbara, of course -- and there were times I thought our kids could make a major improvement to the environment just by cleaning their rooms. ]] /// Well, anyone who's seen all of you at work knows just how Young people much kids can do to protect and preserve this world we live in. I've heard about your projects. Everything from recycling, to conservation, to some very sophisticated environmental research. Impressive -- all of them. But what impresses me most is how many times you took an idea that began in the classroom out into the community. Every one of your projects is making your communities a little cleaner -- a little more pleasant -- a little more aware of how much our environment matters. That's a credit to each of you -- and to your schools and teachers who gave you encouragement and support. But your work has an impact even beyond your own young people communities. Your projects teach other kids that no one's ever too young to care about the environment -- and they tell us young people something else, too: that if kids can be environmentally aware, maybe a few more adults will join in. The fact is that everyone can be an environmentalist -- and every one of us has got to be. What we're seeing today is a new sense of urgency about the state of our world. Greater awareness that pollution and the destruction of our environment hurt all of us -- that everyone of us has a common interest in the fate and future of this planet. That it's simply not acceptable to continue to do environmental damage today -- and leave the clean- up for you and your children to worry about. All of your projects are special, but I hope the rest of you won't mind if I mention two projects -- the ones done by our youngest environmentalists. There's a 4th grade class here from St. Joseph, Missouri -- that decided to adopt a polluted river in their community, and clean it up. For one full year, you picked up litter, tested the water, stocked that river with all kinds of wildlife -- and you planted willow trees along the bank, to protect against erosion. I can tell you, years from now, when people sit on the bank beneath those willows -- maybe some of your children or grandchildren -- watching the river roll along, Satis Satisfaction you'll get a special feeling from what you've done. There's another group of 4th graders here today from Marquette, Michigan, who collected enough money to save an 80- acre stand of white pine trees. You knew how many trees there were -- and how much it would cost to buy the land -- so you did a little math and thought up a slogan: "Save a Tree for $155.26." " Well, the people in your community who heard that slogan thought that saving those trees was worth every penny. What's true about those trees is true about the rest of our environment -- our lakes, rivers and streams. Our forests and mountains. The air we breathe. And nothing gives me more confidence in your generation than to see what you've already done to protect the gifts that nature's given us. Because "America the beautiful" is more than just a song. Together, we can keep it that way. Once again, congratulations to all of you. And now -- with Administrator Reilly's help -- we'll present your awards. # # #