BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code § 84308 Applies: Yes ☐ No ☒
(If “YES” Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code § 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
Adopt a Resolution Recognizing April 22, 2025, as Earth Day.
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution RECOGNIZING APRIL 22, 2025, AS EARTH DAY.
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SUMMARY:
Every year on April 22nd, over a billion people worldwide celebrate Earth Day to raise awareness and appreciation for the natural environment. The concept of Earth Day first began in 1969 at a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Conference in San Francisco where peace activist John McConnell proposed a day to honor Earth and the concept of peace. Later in 1970, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson along with young activist Denis Hayes organized a nationwide environmental teach-in on April 22nd, and formally called the event “Earth Day”. On that day, 20 million people (10% of the total U.S. population at the time) participated in rallies across the country to demonstrate against the impacts of 150 years of industrial development and advocate for legislation to protect the environment. The Earth Day movement of 1970 ultimately led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passing of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.
Earth Day continues to serve as a platform to promote responsible and caring acts for the environment, thus improving quality of life. It is celebrated in more than 192 countries each year and promoted by the non-profit Earth Day Network.
According to the Earth Day Network, the theme for Earth Day 2025 is “Our Power, Our Planet” as a call for a global commitment to renewable energy - whether it’s solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, or tidal - to generate clean electricity for everyone.
With this Resolution, Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) can further promote its mission for flood protection, environmental stewardship, and providing Silicon Valley safe, clean water for a healthy life, environment, and economy. Valley Water has a broad array of services that align with Earth Day values, such as numerous habitat restoration projects, a carbon neutrality goal, water conservation programs, development of recycled and purified water supplies, and a Climate Change Action Plan.
This year, Valley Water will recognize and celebrate Earth Day with an in-person event on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, hosted by the Green Team Employee Resource Group (ERG). The Green Team ERG serves as a resource to all employees to promote sustainable best practices, to support Valley Water’s sustainability mission, and to help generate new sustainable ideas and solutions in the workplace.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND EQUITY IMPACT:
There are no environmental justice and equity impacts associated with the recognition of April 22 as Earth Day. The adoption of this resolution would not result in direct human health or environmental impacts.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this item.
CEQA:
The recommended action does not constitute a project under CEQA because it does not have the potential to result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Resolution
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER: Manager
Kirsten Struve, 408-630-3138
Lisa Bankosh, 408-630-2618
Bhavani Yerrapotu, 408-630-2735