Environmentalism Becomes Political
American society reacted strongly to the publication of Silent Spring. Soon afterwards, a number of groundbreaking environmental regulations were passed, some of which specifically cited Rachel Carson. Environmentalism had become an issue for the government as well as the people.
In 1963, President Kennedy's Science Advisory Committee tackled the issue of pesticides.
"The Panel is convinced that we must understand more completely the properties of these chemicals and determine their long-term impact on biological systems, including man. The Panel’s recommendations are directed toward these needs, and toward more judicious use of pesticides or alternate methods of pest control, in an effort to minimize risks and maximize gains.” “Public literature and the experiences of Panel members indicate that, until the publication of Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, people were generally unaware of the toxicity of pesticides.” |
In 1964, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act was amended to place more safety responsibility on production plants.
"I am sorry that one voice which spoke so often and so eloquently for measures like this -- the voice of Rachel Carson -- is still today. She would have been proud of this bill and this moment." -President Johnson, as he signed the act |
President Johnson's Administration made several other environmental advances, including the Water Quality Act of 1965 and the Clean Water Restoration Act of 1966.
Environmentalism continued to be an issue throughout the 1970s.