The Rise of Environmentalism

2. The Rise of Environmentalism • Rachael Carson • Marine Biologist • Wrote the book Silent Spring about use of pesticides • Warned of “silent spring” with no birds due to deaths caused by DDT and other chemicals • Yannacones: Long Island, NY • Learned officials were using DDT to control mosquitoes • Concern for local lakes and streams • Scientists confirmed their concerns

3. The Repercussions • Yannacones 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 formed • Challenged DDT spraying across the country • Ultimately led to banning of all DDT spraying in 1972

4. 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!

5. American Views • Carson’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

6. 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

7. Environmentalism Begins • April 1970 • First Earth Day celebration • Millions of Americans participated • Formation 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 resources • 1970: Activists start Natural Resources Defense Council with scientists and lawyers

8. New Goals • Cities attempt to reduce urban sprawl • Expansion of green spaces • Energy efficiency in building projects • Reforestation

9. Environmental Protection Agency • Started in 1970 when Nixon signed the National Environmental Policy Act • Set and enforced pollution standards, promoted research, and directed anti-pollution activities with governments

10. New Legislation • Clean 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 • Effects • Reduced Smog • Decline in stream and lake pollution

11. Love Canal • Community Activists near Niagara Falls • High amounts of health issues • Nerve damage, blood diseases, cancer, birth defects, and high amounts of miscarriages • Residents find out about Love Canal’s history • Toxic-waste dump • Hazardous materials spreading

12. Love Canal (continued) • Residents demanded for government intervention • 1978: National attention • State finally relocates families (200 total) • Public pressure key • 1980: Declared a federal disaster area by President Carter • 600 more families moved • 1983: Love Canal residents sue the company owning the dump and settled for $20 million

13. Nuclear Energy • Debates 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, 1979 • Why?

15. Three Mile Island • Nuclear facility outside Harrisburg, PA • Cooling system failed causing the system of overheat • Officials scrambled to fix problem • Low levels of radiation released • Evacuations, then protests • Reactor closed down, leak fixed • Nuclear Regulatory Commission declares plant safe

16. Post-Three Mile Island • Although no one was hurt at Three Mile Island, changes still occurred as public opinion soured on nuclear energy • Since 1973 • 60 plants have been shut down or abandoned • No new facilities have been built