The Rise of EnvironmentalismRachael Carson

Marine BiologistWrote the book Silent Spring about use of pesticidesWarned of “silent spring” with no birds due to deaths caused by DDT and other chemicals

Yannacones: Long Island, NYLearned officials were using DDT to control

mosquitoesConcern for local lakes and streamsScientists confirmed their concerns

The RepercussionsYannacones sue local government to stop use of

pesticides—they win the court case

Scientists realize that courts are the best strategy

Environmental Defense Fund is formedChallenged DDT spraying across the countryUltimately led to banning of all DDT spraying in 1972

•DDT was not always a concern for Americans.

• In fact, the US Department of Agriculture advertised for the usage of DDT during the 1940’s and 1950’s!

American ViewsCarson’s Silent Spring sent warnings

Rivers no longer safe for swimming and fishing

Smog hanging over major cities

Timber companies destroying forest

Oil Spill (California 1969) killed birds and fish while destroying beaches

American views (continued)Dam project in Florida killed

millions of birds and fish

Lake Erie fishing population decimated by pollution and garbage

Citizens convinced these were signs to take action

Environmentalism BeginsApril 1970

First Earth Day celebrationMillions of Americans participatedFormation of local groups

Examples of Groups:Audubon Society, Sierra Club, Wilderness Society had

huge increases in membership and influence Goals: Protect the environment and promote conservation

of national resources1970: Activists start Natural Resources Defense

Council with scientists and lawyers

New GoalsCities attempt to

reduce urban sprawl

Expansion of green spaces

Energy efficiency in building projects

Reforestation

Environmental Protection AgencyStarted in 1970 when Nixon signed the

National Environmental Policy Act

Set and enforced pollution standards, promoted research, and directed anti-pollution activities with governments

New LegislationClean Air Act (1970)

Emissions standards for factories and automobiles

Clean Water Act (1972)Restrictions on discharge of pollutants in lakes and rivers

Endangered Species Act (1973)Spaces for threatened plant and animal species

EffectsReduced SmogDecline in stream and lake pollution

Love CanalCommunity Activists near Niagara Falls

High amounts of health issuesNerve damage, blood diseases, cancer, birth

defects, and high amounts of miscarriages

Residents find out about Love Canal’s historyToxic-waste dumpHazardous materials spreading

Love Canal (continued)Residents demanded for government intervention

1978: National attentionState finally relocates families (200 total)Public pressure key

1980: Declared a federal disaster area by President Carter600 more families moved

1983: Love Canal residents sue the company owning the dump and settled for $20 million

Nuclear EnergyDebates of usage

Pro: Cleaner energy, less expensive alternative to fossil fuels

Con: risks of radiation release and waste, environment effects?

Debate gains attention on March 28, 1979Why?

Three Mile IslandNuclear facility outside Harrisburg, PA

Cooling system failed causing the system of overheatOfficials scrambled to fix problemLow levels of radiation releasedEvacuations, then protestsReactor closed down, leak fixedNuclear Regulatory Commission

declares plant safe

Post-Three Mile IslandAlthough no one was hurt at Three Mile

Island, changes still occurred as public opinion soured on nuclear energy

Since 197360 plants have been shut down or abandonedNo new facilities have been built