Region 1: EPA New England
Reflecting on the 36th Earth Day
Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
By Robert
W. Varney
April 18, 2006
Looking back, 1970 was a historic year as our country’s burgeoning environmental consciousness began to be translated into a call to action. That year saw both the very first Earth Day celebration on April 22, and in December the creation of EPA as a government agency dedicated to protecting the nation’s air, water and land.
On that first Earth Day in 1970, our nation awoke to the health and environmental ramifications of rampant and highly visible pollution. We can still remember the indelible image of fires burning on American rivers.
Over the past 35 years, EPA has not just changed the way our environment looks, but also helped to change the way we look at our environment. Today citizens know that protecting the environment is our shared responsibility. We also know that we don’t need to choose between a robust economy or a protected environment, nor do our personal decisions need to sacrifice modern comforts for an environmental benefit.
Since 1970 we’ve seen time and again that environmental protection and economic progress are not an either-or proposition, but in fact go hand in hand. Through innovations and intelligence, more people enjoy a better quality of life. At the same time, our environment is much cleaner today than it was in 1970.
Take air pollution for example. Between 1970 and 2004, total U.S. emissions of the six major air pollutants dropped by a staggering 54 percent. Viewed alone, this is impressive. This reduction in air pollution is even more incredible when we consider that our nation’s gross domestic product increased 187 percent, energy consumption increased 47 percent, and the U.S. population grew by 40 percent during those same years.
As I travel throughout New England, I am constantly reminded of how beautiful our part of the country is; it is easy to keep in mind what we are working for. From Long Island Sound to Casco Bay, from October Mountain to Camel’s Hump and from Narragansett Bay to the freshwater shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, we are lucky to live in a region blessed with natural scenery and citizens committed to preserving our environment.
Americans can be proud of the progress we’ve made protecting our environment in the last generation. On Earth Day, and each day, remember: We all can make a difference. Working together, we’re all part of the solution.
Robert W. Varney is regional administrator of EPA's New England Office in Boston.