Saving the Earth

Rachel Carson Wrote Silent Spring in 1962 – Increasing use of pesticides/DDT – The cycle of it – Outraged the chemical industry – Noted as the person who began the focus on environmental issues – 1970 unofficial beginning of environmental movement

Government Steps in Environmental Protection Agency (1970) – Set pollution standards – Promoted research – Coordinated with state & local governments – Monitored other agencies with respect to their impact on the environment Clean Air Act – Establishes emissions standards Clean Water Act (1972) – Restricted discharge of pollutants Endangered Species Act (1973) – Saving threatened animal species

Consumer Movement “technologically advanced” Ralph Nader – Lawyer from Connecticut – Noticed high numbers of automobile fatalities – Wrote Unsafe at Any Speed National Traffic & Motor Vehicle Safety Act (1966) – Seat belts – Door locks – Safer fuel tanks Led to organizations regulating other products