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In the late 20th century, the federal government responded to the growing pollution problem across the country and protestations from American citizens with two pieces of legislation aimed at keeping the country’s air, land, and water clean. The United States Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for setting limits for pollution and enforcing these landmark rules.
The Clean Air Act of 1970
The Clean Air Act of 1970
The Clean Air Act of 1970: This legislation authorized the development of comprehensive federal and state regulations to limit emissions from both stationary (e.g., industrial) sources and mobile sources (e.g., vehicles and airplanes) to protect the environment and public health.
Read this New York Times article for information on the success of the Clean Air Act and the effects of air pollution on United States’ residents.
The Clean Water Act of 1972
The Clean Water Act of 1972
The Clean Water Act of 1972: This legislation established the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and set quality standards for surface waters.
Learn more about the Clean Water Act and what more needs to be done to protect the country’s bodies of water.
Both laws have faced much scrutiny over the past 50 years, particularly from business and industry, who feel that the government is restricting their abilities to operate, as well as from state governments who push back against the federal government’s right to regulate water within their state borders.
Resources
Resources
Particulate Matter Air Sensor Kits – Build your own sensor and test the air around you (activity): https://www.epa.gov/air-research/air-quality-and-energy-choice-stem-activities-educators
Uranium Mining Polluting the Watershed - Working Together to Find Sustainable Solutions (activity): https://www.nps.gov/teachers/classrooms/uranium-mining.htm
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