Why did the 1960s and 1970s see the passage of environmental legislation?
The 1960s and 1970s saw the passage of environmental legislation in response to growing concerns about pollution, environmental degradation, and public health. The publication of Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring" in 1962 brought attention to the harmful effects of pesticides on the environment and human health, sparking a widespread environmental movement.
Additionally, events such as the Cuyahoga River catching fire in 1969 and the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill brought further attention to environmental issues and the need for government regulation to protect the environment. This public outcry led to the passage of landmark legislation such as the Clean Air Act (1970), Clean Water Act (1972), Endangered Species Act (1973), and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970.
Overall, the passage of environmental legislation in the 1960s and 1970s was a response to growing awareness of the environmental challenges facing the nation and a recognition of the need for government action to protect the natural world for future generations.