Norton Applauds Senate Introduction of Rachel Carson Commemoration

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today thanked Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) for introducing the Senate companion bill to her Rachel Carson Nature Trail Designation Act of 2013, commemorating Rachel Carson, the environmental pioneer and an inspiration for the development of the environmental movement.

"Senator Casey's commitment to the environment and conservation is well known," said Norton. "His leadership on the Senate version of the Rachel Carson bill fits that pattern. Rachel Carson began her love affair with the environment in her native state, Pennsylvania. D.C. is very different, but in Glover Park our residents have found a place that Carson enjoyed to dedicate to her memory."

The idea for Norton's bill, which designates a National Park Service trail in Glover Archbold Park in the District of Columbia in honor of Carson, came from Glover Park residents. Carson, who was a federal employee, often used Glover Archbold Park in the District as a site from which she drew observations about nature and the environment.

A world-renowned environmental scientist, writer, and educator, Carson worked as the Editor-in-Chief for the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service's publications department. She performed research on the dangers of pesticides, and her findings were sustained by the Science Advisory Committee, created during President John F. Kennedy's administration. As a result, federal and state legislatures enacted pesticide legislation and her work paved the way for groundbreaking environmental protection legislation in this country and throughout the world. She published her seminal work,Silent Spring, in 1962. Carson was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters and received many other honors. She died in 1964.

Published: April 11, 2013