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During the 1800s, people in the United States made use of the
country’s many resources. A lot of the land was turned into farming land, forests were cut down, and lots of species of animals
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The public has little or no concern on the environment at the time. It wasn't until about the 1850s where environmental awareness started to appear.
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Henry David Thoreau published "Walden" to argue that people should become closer with nature.
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America's railroad expansion affected settlement patterns and cities sprang up in the midwest and west.
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Yellowstone National Park is the first national park in the United States.
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The United States Geological Survey was created in 1879 to assess mineral, energy, and water resources.
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The Audubon Society was begun in 1886 to protect the birds of America.
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Congress passed the Forest Reserve Act, allowing the president to set aside forest lands. 10 years later, Presidents Harrison, Cleveland, and McKinley transferred about 50,000,000 acres into the forest reserve system.
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The Sierra Club was founded to study, preserve, and enjoy the Sierra Nevada.
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The Lacey Act of 1900 is a conservation act that protects plants and wildlife. It was enacted due to the illegal taking and selling of plants and animals.
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Founded by President Woodrow Wilson, the NPS's job is the management and conservation of the nation's national parks.
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The Izaak Walton League was founded to combat water pollution in the United States.
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Big Bend is a national park along the Rio Grande in Texas, by the US-Mexico border.
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In Donora, Penn., high concentrations of sulfur dioxide were trapped in the foggy weather, leading 20 people to die from cardiac and respiratory disease and about 6000 others complaining of chest pains, coughing, and nausea.
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This law set aside land for preservation and management for the public's appreciation and enjoyment
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NEPA was established to promote the enhancement of the nation's environment.
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The Clean Air Act established a research and development program to control air pollution.
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Earth Day originated in San Francisco. This day inspires awareness and appreciation of the Earth's natural environment.
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The EPA was established after concerns of environmental pollution sprang up. Their job is to work for a cleaner, healthier environment for Americans.
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Dr. Seuss publishes this book to warn about the dangers corporate greed causes on nature.
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The Save the Earth Foundation was established in 1972 to spread evironmental awareness in today's society. They try to promote the understanding of the effects we have on our planet's health.
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The Clean Air Act established regulations to prevent urban and industrial water pollution
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The Center for Clean Air Policy is a think tank in Washington, D.C. that works on climate and air quality policy issues at the local, national and international levels
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The United States is the 2nd largest producer and user of electricity in the world. The country uses about 20% of the world's electricity supply. Nearly all energy used is from fossil fuels, which leads to greenhouse gas emissions. Many people are currently trying to find alternative sources of electricity, such as solar and wind power.
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Currently, the United States is the 2nd largest emitter of carbon dioxide, after China. In 2006, About 6000 million tons of carbon dioxide were emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels.
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Universal Studios releases a 3-D animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax".
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Today, there are about 740 million acres of forests in the United States. The United States is the world's leading producer and consumer of lumber. However, the largest problem is the illegal logging of forests.
