Background (continued)

Congress becomes impatient with the progress being made in improving water quality with existing laws. The widespread belief is that water quality is deteriorating, despite in some people’s opinion, the absence of facts and documentation to support the concern. Popular publications by Nader’s Raiders, Barry Commoner, the Club of Rome and the federal government’s Council on Environmental Quality are all influential in convincing the public and Congress that the environment is getting worse and action is needed (Moreau 1991). Changes come quickly after the events of 1969:

• The first Earth Day is organized for the spring of 1970;
• Regulations for off shore oil drilling are strengthened;
• President Nixon signs the National Environmental Policy Act in 1970;
• The Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970 creates the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), with all the functions of the former Federal Water Quality Administration, and places it within the Department of Interior; and
• Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (Clean Water Act) are passed.