Saving the Earth Chapter 26, Section 4 By Thomas Parsons

I. The Beginnings of Environmentalism A.During the 1960s and 1970s, Americans began examining their industrial society and questioning its effects on the environment.

B.Issues 1.Americans discovered that the use of pesticides had damaged a wide range of wildlife 2.Pollution had fouled air and water 3.Potentially deadly nuclear energy use was being increased.

C.Silent Spring 1.Marine biologist Rachel Carson wrote of the increase of pesticides in her book Silent Spring. 2.She argued that the pesticides that killed insects were also killing birds and fish.

II. The Environmental Movement Blossoms A.The environmental issues of the 1960s concerned all regions of the United States. 1.Environmental problems included the cutting down of trees in the Northwest 2.Smog from factories, power plants, and cars in the cities – LA, NY

1.The environmental issues (cont.) 3.An oil spill off Santa Barbara, California 4.Pollution and garbage in Lake Erie.

B.Earth Day 1.In April 1970, the nation held its first Earth Day to focus on the country’s environmental concerns. 2.Afterward, citizens formed local environmental groups and organizations like the Sierra Club, the Audubon Society, and the Wilderness Society gained prominence.

C.The EPA 1.In 1970 Richard Nixon signed the Environmental Protection Policy Act 2.It created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

3.The EPA was responsible to: a.Set and enforcing pollution standards b.Promote environmental research c.Coordinate anti-pollution activities with state and local governments.

D.The Clean Air Act of 1970 established emission standards for factories and automobiles. E.The Clean Water Act of 1972 restricted the discharge of pollutants into the nation’s lakes and rivers.

F.The Endangered Species Act of 1973 established measures for saving threatened animal species.

G.The Love Canal Disaster 1.Residents at a local housing development near Niagara Falls, New York, known as Love Canal, began noticing a high incidence of health problems within their community. 2.It was discovered that the community was on a toxic waste dump. 3.Through dramatic community activism, the state permanently relocated 200 families. 4.President Jimmy Carter later relocated the remaining 600 families.

H.Nuclear Energy 1.Issues regarding nuclear energy were debated. 2.Supporters of nuclear energy claimed it was cleaner and less expensive than fossil fuels, such as coal, or natural gas, which have a limited supply. 3.Opponents warned of risks, including consequences of an accidental radiation release.

I.The Three Mile Island Disaster 1.On March 28, 1979, one of the reactors at the Three Mile Island nuclear facility overheated, causing low levels of radiation to escape. 2.Although the plant was eventually declared safe, the incident left the public in doubt about the safety of nuclear energy.

III. The Consumer Movement A.During the 1970s, many Americans demanded product safety, accurate information, and a voice in the government formulation of consumer policy.

B.Ralph Nader 1.The leader in the consumer protection movement, Ralph Nader, noticed an alarming number of fatalities from automobile accidents. 2.After a study, Nader accused car designers and manufacturers of putting style, cost, and speed ahead of safety. 3.After successfully suing the car industry, Nader funded several consumer organizations. 4.Nader’s efforts resulted it he passage of the National Traffic and Motor Safety Act in 1966.

C.Nader led people to call for closer examination of consumer goods, including dangerous toys, flammable fabrics, and the safety of meat and poultry. D.Nader was the founder of Consumer Reports, a magazine dedicated to supporting consumer protection.