The Environmental Protection Movement in the U.S. [APUSH Review]

The Rise of Environmentalism in the 1970s

Context of the Environmental Protection Movement

• The activism surge in the 1960s and 70s led to a focus on environmental issues, marking a pivotal moment for environmentalists.

• A national energy policy was sought due to America's growing dependence on oil, primarily driven by automobile usage as the main transportation mode.

• By the 1970s, most global oil supply came from Middle Eastern countries, which formed OPEC to control prices and exert economic power.

• The U.S. relied on cheaper imported oil rather than domestic drilling, creating vulnerability in its economy.

Impact of the 1973 Oil Embargo

• In response to U.S. support for Israel during the Yom Kippur War, OPEC imposed an oil embargo that drastically increased oil prices and caused shortages.

• This crisis crippled oil-dependent industries and led to inflation and rising unemployment, resulting in an economic situation known as stagflation.

• Stagflation presented a unique challenge for economists as traditional remedies for inflation or unemployment failed to resolve both issues simultaneously.

Formation of National Energy Policy

• The severe effects of the oil crisis prompted policymakers to create a national energy policy aimed at reducing dependency on foreign oil.

• President Jimmy Carter established the Department of Energy in 1977 to support research into energy conservation and alternative sources.

Emergence of Environmentalism

• The oil crisis reinforced beliefs among environmentally conscious Americans about limited natural resources needing protection, leading to a significant movement focused on ecosystem preservation.

• Unlike earlier conservation efforts that prioritized specific parks or spaces, 1970's environmentalism emphasized broader ecological interdependence among species and habitats.

Influence of "Silent Spring"

• Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring" (1962) highlighted harmful effects of synthetic pesticides like DDT on ecosystems, particularly bird populations through contaminated food and water sources.

• Carson's findings prompted public concern over chemical use; DDT was banned in 1972 after investigations validated her claims. However, widespread popular support for environmentalism grew significantly only during the following decade.

Environmental Disasters of the 1970s

The Cuyahoga River Fire

• In 1969, the Cuyahoga River in Ohio was one of America's most polluted rivers, having caught fire over a dozen times throughout the 20th century.

• The river fire gained national attention through a Time Magazine article, raising public concern about environmental issues and prompting calls for government intervention.

• This public outcry led to President Nixon establishing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1971 to regulate pollution and protect the environment.

Love Canal Contamination

• The Love Canal incident involved an industrial corporation burying toxic waste in Niagara Falls, New York, leading to severe health issues like cancer and birth defects among residents.

• In response to this disaster, President Carter signed into law the EPA's Superfund program, which allocated funds for cleaning up contaminated sites like Love Canal.

Three Mile Island Incident

• In 1979, a partial meltdown at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant released radioactive chemicals near a populated area, highlighting risks associated with nuclear energy.

• Despite being cleaner than fossil fuels and promising for energy independence, this incident significantly hindered the adoption of nuclear power due to safety concerns.