Every April 22 since 1970, we have celebrated Earth Day. On Earth Day, thousands of people volunteer to clean up their communities, create new green spaces, start recycling programs, and educate young people about the importance of keeping their neighborhood clean and eco-friendly.

However, there is so much we can do with little effort in our day to day lives to keep the spirit of Earth Day alive all year round. Simple tasks like turning off lights and appliances when you leave a room might not seem like much, but it gives our already overextended power supply a break.

During the blackout of August 2003, we all experienced the consequences of our fragile energy infrastructure. And with fuel and utility prices skyrocketing, it makes good economic sense to conserve energy at home and work.

The federal government has established the Energy Star Program, to help people find energy efficient products for your home. Energy efficient appliances and products can save families about 30 percent on utility bills, while reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. If you are looking to replace an old appliance, visit the Energy Star web site, www.energystar.gov, to find eco-friendly products that will help you save some money on energy bills.

Here are a few other simple tips to make sure you are doing your part to conserve and save a little money on your monthly utilities:

Use the microwave to cook small meals. (It uses less power than an oven.)

Have leaky air conditioning and refrigeration systems repaired.

Insulate your home, water heater and pipes.

Repair all leaks (a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons a day).

Buy high-efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Keep drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool.

If we all do our part to conserve energy, we can help ensure a clean and healthy Long Island for future generations.

McCarthy endorsed a new GI Bill of Rights for the 21st century. The bill was introduced by the House Democrats on Capitol Hill this afternoon.

"The time is right for a new GI Bill and I am proud to lend my support to its speedy passage in the House," said McCarthy. "Our troops, veterans and their families have made unfathomable sacrifices to preserve our liberty and spread democracy throughout the world. They deserve and are entitled to all of the benefits this bill provides."

The new GI Bill of Rights for the 21st century will improve benefits for men and women in uniform today and provide long overdue benefits for the veterans and military retirees who have already served. It will bolster support for troops currently in harm's way, as well as their families. Further, there are special provisions for the National Guard and Reserve, who continue to go beyond the call of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill will provide better education, health care and job training benefits for those who have answered the call to serve their country.

The package will increase health care resources to meet the needs of returning troops, bolster mental health care for returning soldiers and block increases in prescription drug co-payments and enrollment fees for veterans.

For troops currently serving, the bill will modernize and enhance the GI Bill enacted in 1944, providing the full cost for college or job training for those serving four years of active duty. These provisions are critical to helping returning soldiers resume their lives after their service, and also provide an important recruiting tool to encourage new soldiers to sign up.

For military retirees and the families of those who died in the line of duty, the New GI Bill of Rights will fully repeal the Disabled Veterans Tax, and end the Military Families Tax.

"On the battlefield, our troops pledge to leave no soldier behind," said McCarthy, "Congress should make the same promise to the brave men and women who serve their nation and their families."

The new GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century sponsored by House Democrats was endorsed by a number of veterans' and military organizations, including the American Legion.