Environmental Awareness in the U.S.A. began in the 1970s with the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The organization was formed by President Richard Nixon to help the government learn more about our impact on the environment, and in turn how the environment affects us.
Throughout the 90s and 00s, the EPA has passed many acts and guidelines that are working to help protect our environment. In 1990, 2 major pieces of legislation were put forth by the EPA: The Clean Air Act Amendments, and the Pollution Prevention Act. In 1996, the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments were passed. The EPA implemented the Food Quality Act in 1997. (More information on the EPA's history is available here)
All of these acts have been extremely important in making our nation more environmentally aware, and therefore more environmentally friendly. It has been proven time and time again that the benefits of EPA efforts far out weigh the costs. The new effort to "go green" is something that my parent's generation never had, and therefore will never benefit from. That is why I feel very fortunate to experience America's effort to protect the environment in my lifetime.
2 comments:
Nice post!
When I first was told to think of advancements made in my lifetime, I had a very similar initial reaction to you. I thought of various technology advancements such as the iPod, or cell phone technology. I liked how you thought outside of these typical thoughts and explained other ways that the world has progressed like environmental awareness. Another way the world progressed happened just recently when Obama was elected president. This shows growth in our country in that we are obviously making steps to not having any racial problems.
yeah, I have to admit, my initial reaction was the same as both of yours: ipods, cell phones, etc. But you guys both brought up great examples of progression beyond the world of technology. It really makes me feel optimistic; Maybe one day when I have kids, they'll be talking about all the things they have that we never had like clean, efficient energy resources or no racial or sexual orientation barriers!
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