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Chapter 20: Problem 1

What practices and consequences led to passage of the Clean Water Act of 1972?

Short Answer

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The Clean Water Act of 1972 came into existence as a result of increased industrialization and urbanization, which led to growing water pollution. Significant incidents such as the Cuyahoga River Fire of 1969 raised public awareness and concern over the issue. This growing environmental concern led to public demonstrations and ultimately political response in the form of the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972.

Step by step solution

01

Explore the historical context

Leading up to the Clean Water Act, it is important to take into account the increased industrialization and urbanization of the time period that contributed to growing water pollution. This growth led to an increase in chemical and waste discharge into rivers, lakes, and streams, often without any sort of treatment or regulation.
02

Identify crucial incidents

Several significant incidents can be highlighted that raised public awareness about the severity of water pollution problem. One of such incidents was the Cuyahoga River Fire in 1969, where industrial pollution on the river was so severe that it literally caught fire. This incident raised national attention and environmental concerns.
03

Discuss the public and political response

As a result of the growing concern over widespread water pollution, widespread public demonstrations took place, such as the first Earth Day in 1970. Politically, this led to formation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and culminated with the congress unanimously overruling President Nixon's veto to pass the Clean Water Act in 1972. This act established the basic structure for regulation of pollutant discharges into the waters of the United States.

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