Hi, everybody. Our country is home to some of the most beautiful God-given landscapes in the world. We're blessed with natural treasures-from the Grand Tetons to the Grand Canyon1; from lush forests and vast deserts to lakes and rivers teeming2 with wildlife. And it's our responsibility to protect these treasures for future generations, just as previous generations protected them for us.
Since taking office, I've set aside more than 260 million acres of public lands and waters-more than any President in history. Last month, we announced that 11 states had come together with ranchers, and industry groups to protect a threatened species-the sage3 grouse-without jeopardizing4 local economies. Two weeks ago, we announced that we're creating one new marine5 sanctuary6 on the Potomac River in Maryland, and another along Lake Michigan in Wisconsin-part of unprecedented7 efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay and the Great Lakes. We also joined a coalition8 of countries cracking down on illegal fishing that threatens jobs and food security around the globe. And I'm going to keep protecting the places that make America special, and the livelihoods9 of those who depend on them.
We'll also keep doing what we can to prevent the worst effects of climate change before it's too late. Over the past six years, we've led by example, generating more clean energy and lowering our carbon emissions10. Our businesses have stepped up in a big way, including just this past week. Some of our biggest companies made new commitments to act on clima
