1970 in the environment

Last updated July 22, 2025

This is a list of notable events relating to the environment in 1970. They relate to environmental law, conservation, environmentalism and environmental issues.

Events

The California Environmental Quality Act is passed into law.

January

The United States National Environmental Policy Act becomes effective.

February

US President Richard Nixon gave the nation's first presidential message on the environment.^[1]

April

The first Earth Day took place. Twenty million people participated in teach-ins in the United States.^[2]
US President Richard Nixon signed the Environmental Quality Improvement Act.^[3]

December

The United States Environmental Protection Agency is formed.
President Richard Nixon signed the Clean Air Act of 1970.

References

↑ Elkins, Chuck (October 2013). "Transcript of "Behind the Scenes at the Creation of the EPA" Video" (PDF). EPA Alumni Association. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
↑ Elkins, Chuck (October 2013). "Transcript of "Behind the Scenes at the Creation of the EPA" Video" (PDF). Retrieved August 20, 2018.
↑ United States. Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970. Pub. L. 91–224 April 3, 1970.

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[1] Elkins, Chuck (October 2013). "Transcript of "Behind the Scenes at the Creation of the EPA" Video" (PDF). EPA Alumni Association. Retrieved August 20, 2018.

[2] Elkins, Chuck (October 2013). "Transcript of "Behind the Scenes at the Creation of the EPA" Video" (PDF). Retrieved August 20, 2018.

[3] United States. Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970. Pub. L. 91–224 April 3, 1970.

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