Earth Day - Legislative Milestones and Beyond

Published: April 22, 2016

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Earth Day

In the 1960’s and 1970’s, a growing public awareness of the impact of human activity on the environment led to the enactment of key legislation protecting clean air, clean water, and endangered species; the establishment the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the annual observance of Earth Day every April 22. On Earth Day 2016, GPO makes available these original, authentic documents on govinfo.

Clean Air Act and Amendments

77 Stat. 392 - Clean Air Act - December 17, 1963
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81 Stat. 485 - Air Quality Act of 1967 - November 21, 1967
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91 Stat. 685 - Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 - August 7, 1977
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Other Legislation

83 Stat. 852 - National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 - January 1, 1970 (established EPA)
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87 Stat. 884 - Endangered Species Act - December 28, 1973
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Clean Water Act and Amendments

86 Stat. 816 - Clean Water Act of 1972 - October 18, 1972
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91 Stat.1566 - Clean Water Act Amendments - December 27, 1977
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101 Stat. 7 - Water Quality Act of 1987 - February 4, 1987
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33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq. - Clean Water Act, codified in Title 33 U.S. Code, Section 1251
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