The 1970s were a productive decade for governmental efforts to protect public health and the environment. It has often been called “the Environmental Decade.” In addition to the first Earth Day and the creation of the U.S. EPA in 1970, over the next ten years, the U.S. Congress and three different presidents from both political parties passed and signed most of the major environmental laws that we live with today. Major legislation included the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Water Pollution Control Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Toxic Substance Control Act, and Superfund. Most of these Acts passed with overwhelming majorities in Congress. The presentation will describe the political and environmental conditions of the decade that caused such an outpouring of public and political support for protecting the environment. The presenter will facilitate an open discussion among participants to determine why the political landscape on the environment seems so different today.

Cosponsored by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (OLLI Mason).

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Michael Mason has a B.Sc. in Biology and Chemistry, an M.A. in American History, and an M.P.A. in Environmental Policy. Michael spent over 33 years with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. He served as a policy analyst and manager in the hazardous waste, water, and enforcement programs at the EPA.

ABOUT OLLI MASON

OLLI Mason provides intellectual and cultural experiences to curious individuals. Learn more at OLLI.gmu.edu.

INVITE

This program is appropriate for ages 18+. Register by clicking on the "Begin Registration" button. A Zoom link will be emailed a day before start of each program.