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Pollution becomes recognized
Americans realize how awful the conditions of the nation's waterways really are. That same year, waste from food processing plants kills 26 million fish in Florida's Lake Thonotosassa. -
EPA is created
The Environmental Protection Agency is created in order to control pollution and enforce laws regarding water, air and land. -
Clean Water Act is passed
Congress over-rides President Nixon's veto of the Clean Water, and passes the Clean Water Act in 1972. The act sets the goals of water that is "fishable and swimmable" by 1983 and zero discharge of pollutants by 1985. -
Safe Drinking Water Act passed
The Safe Drinking Water Act is passed, requiring the EPA to establish national standards for contaminants in drinking water systems. -
Clean Water Action Plan
President Clinton announced a Clean Water Action Plan to restore and protect America's waters. The President's proposed 1999 budget calls for a $568 million increase to carry out the plan. -
EPA makes website for pollution
The EPA created an internet web site that allow s citizens to easily obtain up-to-date, comprehensive, accurate environmental information about their communities by entering a zip code. Americans now have the right to know about pollution they are facing. -
Clean Water Act is revamped
The EPA decides to revamp and re-enforce the rules and regulations of the Clean Water Act. The new goals are to improve the protection of our nation’s water quality, raise the bar in federal and state performance, and enhance public transparency.
