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The National Environmental Policy Act (1969), which among other things required that all federal agencies produce
environmental impact statementson the possible negative effects of any and all regulations. It also created the
President’s Council on Environmental Quality.
— The
Environmental Protection Agency (1970). Self-explanatory. Amazing.
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, 1970). Proposed by Nixon “...for better protection of life and property from natural hazards…for a better understanding of the total environment…[and] for exploration and development leading to the intelligent use of our marine resources…” That's what he wanted, and that's what the agency does.
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The Clean Air Act (1970). Before the act, America’s skies were filthy. Afterward, they weren’t exactly pristine, but they were dramatically better, and later amendments cleaned the air up even more.
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Earth Week (1971). OK, something of a gimmick, but still, Nixon endorsed it to commemorate the first anniversary of
Earth Day. He
may not have sported Birkenstocks, but in some ways the man was practically a tree-hugger.
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The Clean Water Act (1972). If this is beginning to sound like the green legislation hall of fame, it’s not just you.
— The
Endangered Species Act (1973): Even if this was all Nixon had achieved, he would rank among one of our greenest presidents.