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1996 State of the Union Address: Environment (Paragraphs 59-62) Summary

Finger Wagging at Congress

  • Clinton challenges Congress to do more to improve air and water quality. This was before global warming was widely discussed, but pollution was a major concern for Democrats.
  • Clinton chastises Congress for cutting environmental law enforcement funding.
  • Clinton argues that environmental protection should be a bipartisan issue.
  • Finally, Clinton "challenge[s] businesses and communities to take more initiative in protecting the environment" (62.1).