Dear Friend,

It's a big day in the environmental community.

First of all, it's Earth Day, and we've prepared this special Earth Day video featuring pictures of several of our online supporters wearing their "cap carbon" caps.

We had a lot of fun putting the video together and appreciate all the terrific photo submissions. Thanks to those of you who participated.

Today is a big day for another important reason: The first full day of hearings on landmark global warming legislation in the House Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment is now underway.

The rubber is hitting the road. What happens in the next few days and weeks will set the stage for climate action this year.

We expect hearings to continue this week and the bill will be "marked up" starting next week.

You can watch today's hearings on C-SPAN's website.

Assuming the bill is voted it out of Subcommittee, debate will then begin in the full House Energy and Commerce Committee, where Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) has set a goal of moving a bill before Memorial Day recess.

It would then be ready for full House action.

We are pulling out the stops to support a strong bill in the committee debate.

Our Director of Economic Policy and Analysis Nat Keohane is expected to testify today.

And Braddock, PA, Mayor John Fetterman, who is featured in our new TV, print and online ad campaign, will testify today as well.

Check out our Braddock ad campaign.

It's a big day, and we will be keeping you updated on events as they develop here in Washington.

Thanks for your activism and support.

Happy Earth Day,
Environmental Defense Fund