As we celebrate the 52nd Anniversary of Earth Day this April 22nd , I find it valuable to reflect on the history of this often-overlooked day and how it impacted our country ’ s view of environmental conservation and its importance . The movement that led to Earth Day is inspiring not only because of its environmental impact , but also because it induced both political parties to work together in almost unanimous support of some of the most transformational legislation that affects our environment .
During the 1960s , Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin tried to engage Congress in taking up ecological measures . However , after multiple attempts , Congress refused to address these matters . Then in 1969 a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara , California showed our country the importance of protecting our environment after witnessing the horrific impact of the spill . This event prompted Senator Nelson to look elsewhere for inspiration to assist in his environmental fight , and he found it where many social movements are born : on college campuses . Senator Nelson redirected his efforts to focus on raising awareness to encourage citizens to place pressure on politicians to act on environmental legislation . Senator Nelson proposed a day for people to gather and discuss environmental issues and host teachins to raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection and conservation . To further his cause , Senator Nelson , a Democrat , teamed up with Congressman Pete McCloskey , a Republican , to serve as his co-chair , and enlisted Denis Hayes , a young student activist to assist with organizing campus teach-ins . Senator Nelson ’ s mere suggestion of such a day drew overwhelming support and media attention of this plan for “ Earth Day .” Senator Nelson selected April 22nd for Earth Day as it was after Spring Break but before final exams , a perfect time to maximize student participation for discussing these important issues . The first Earth Day on April 22 , 1970 , was a monumental success with 20 million Americans ( approximately 10 % of the then US population ) joining in the protests and teach-ins .
Senator Nelson ’ s diligence paid off , as Earth Day was a catalyst that promoted what became the “ Environmental Decade .” Senator Nelson ’ s and Congressman McCloskey ’ s decision to team up for the cause was the precursor to bipartisan support for legislation enacted throughout the 1970s . The National Environmental Policy Act ( NEPA ) signed into law in 1970 was the first of its kind : it mandated federal agencies to consider the environmental impact of regulations they enacted . NEPA was signed by President Nixon after unanimous support in the Senate and only 15 votes in opposition in the House of Representatives . By the end of the year , the Environmental Protection Agency was established , and the Clean Air Act of 1970 was passed by a unanimous Senate and only one Representative voting against . In 1972 the Clean Water Act was also enacted by a unanimous Senate and only a handful of Representatives voting against it . Many other environmental laws were enacted though the remainder of the Environmental Decade with similar support from both parties . The few legislative acts that were enacted before 1970 had few regulations that truly impacted the environment and were passed largely among party lines with bare majorities . It is fair to say that Senator Nelson ’ s and Congressman McCloskey ’ s partnership on Earth Day was crucial to creating the needed support the environment required from all leaders .
As a millennial who greatly values our environment and the cleansing ability nature can bestow upon us , I find it unfortunate that in the last few decades environmental conservation policies have become so controversial , as it has not always been this way . As we briefly reflect on Earth Day and its impact , I challenge my colleagues to think of each generation as the trustee of the environment for succeeding generations . I encourage all of us to consider small steps , in our practices and our lives , that can minimize the negative impact we have on our environment . Our children and grandchildren will thank us for it . Happy Earth Day ! �
24 | THE DOCKET - APRIL 2022