State of Illinois

Executive Department

Proclamation

WHEREAS, the earth sciences, especially geology, are integral to finding, developing, and conserving the water, mineral, and energy resources needed for modern society; and

WHEREAS, the earth sciences provide the basis for preparing for and mitigating the effects of natural hazards such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, sinkholes, and coastal erosion; and

WHEREAS, the earth sciences are crucial to our understanding of environmental and ecological issues ranging from air and water quality to waste disposal; and

WHEREAS, knowledge about geological factors regarding earth resources, hazards, and the environment are vital to land management and land use decisions at local, state, regional, national, international, and global levels; and

WHEREAS, study of the earth sciences contributes critically important information to our understanding of the natural world; and

WHEREAS, Earth Science Week is an opportunity to seek a greater understanding and appreciation of the value of earth science research and its application and relevance to our daily lives, as well as for science teachers at all levels throughout the State of Illinois to undertake lessons and activities with their students directed toward the study of earth science:

THEREFORE, I, Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim October 14-20, 2007, as EARTH SCIENCE WEEK in Illinois.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Illinois to be affixed.

Done at the Capitol in the City of Springfield this fifteenth day of October, in the Year of Our Lord, two thousand and seven, and of the State of Illinois, one hundred and ninety.

Rod R. Blagojevich (signed)