HR1029 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1029 LRB097 21292 GRL 69028 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Endangered Species Day is celebrated by many states, such as Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and California; the day is dedicated to bringing awareness and helping endangered species in our country; this year, Endangered Species Day will take place on May 18, 2012; and

WHEREAS, The people of the State of Illinois recognize that a healthy environment is an integral part of Illinois' economy, society, and culture; and

WHEREAS, The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America, and helps to control fish populations everywhere; as of 2006, the alligator snapping turtle was listed as an endangered species, while being an important part of Illinois' ecosystem; and

WHEREAS, There are roughly 450 endangered species other than the alligator snapping turtle, including 18 species of fish, 3 species of amphibians, 8 species of reptiles, 26 species of birds, 5 species of mammals, 37 species of invertebrates, and 251 species of plants; these numbers do not include threatened animals; and

WHEREAS, Despite this vast list of endangered species, the State of Illinois does not recognize an Endangered Species Day; by bringing awareness to the entire State and putting emphasis on youth-organized campaigns, a recognized awareness day could aid in preventing further damage done to our environment; and

WHEREAS, As stated in Article 11 of the Illinois Constitution, "The public policy of the State and the duty of each person is to provide and maintain a healthful environment for the benefit of this and future generations. The General Assembly shall provide by law for the implementation and enforcement of this public policy."; and

WHEREAS, The members of this body have an obligation to our children and to future generations to be influential leaders of our atmosphere and to pave an affirmative path of stewardship in protecting endangered species and their habitats; and

WHEREAS, By placing more emphasis on the importance of preserving our environment, youth in general would become more educated on the consequences and future problems caused by neglecting our earth now; focusing on these issues would help instill responsibility, leadership, humanitarianism, and consideration in students in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The obliteration of a species and their habitat is a severe hazard to our own society, as nature is the foundation of our most frequently-prescribed medicines; the loss of a species could result in the loss of life-saving drugs; and

WHEREAS, The members of this body have the responsibility to utilize the finest technology accessible to ensure the protection against the extinction of many valued creatures and to guarantee their availability for all needs to future generations; and

WHEREAS, For over 30 years, the Endangered Species Act has served as the nation's safety net for wildlife, saving hundreds of plants and animals for extinction, putting hundreds more on the path to recovery, and safeguarding the habitats on which they all depend; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we pledge to uphold the nation's standards of the Endangered Species Act and continue to take all appropriate action to protect our plants and wildlife and the places that they live, in honor of Operation Endangered Species and the Alligator Snapping Turtle project at Pontiac Township High School; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we designate the date of May 18, 2012 as Endangered Species Day in the State of Illinois in furtherance of this goal.