HJ0037 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0037 LRB095 11606 KXB 33545 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Worldwide exposure to chemical pesticides brings about greater harm than most people realize; and

WHEREAS, More than 3 billion kilograms of pesticides are spread on the earth annually, exposing both human and wildlife populations to chemicals, with potentially serious repercussions for life everywhere; and

WHEREAS, Our children are uniquely vulnerable to chemical pesticides due to their developing physiology and to their habit of frequently putting their hands into their mouths; and

WHEREAS, Chemical pesticides applied outdoors are washed into our waterways and our drinking water sources; several types of cancer, neurological diseases, endocrine disorders, and birth defects have all been associated with exposure to common pesticides; and

WHEREAS, Pregnant women, children, asthmatics, cancer patients, the elderly, and other immune compromised people and migratory birds are all highly vulnerable to toxic effects of chemical pesticides; and

WHEREAS, More than 40 years ago, the well-known writer, scientist, and ecologist Rachel Carson alerted America and the world to the potential hazards of pesticides in her landmark book, Silent Spring; despite the warning, the quantity of pesticides used in our country has continued to grow over the years and poses a potential threat to all life forms; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we proclaim May 27, 2007 as Rachel Carson Day throughout the State of Illinois in honor of her prophetic work, and urge the citizens of the State of Illinois to focus their attention on the potentially serious hazards associated with chemical pesticides; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we invite citizens throughout the State of Illinois to observe this day, the birth date of Rachel Carson, by refraining from using chemical pesticides on this day and ask the citizens of the State of Illinois for their cooperation in seeking alternative methods of pest management.