April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Before the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act became law, there were no legal protections to ensure the safety of our air and water or our vulnerable wildlife populations; toxic chemicals could be dumped into waterways and released into the atmosphere with little ramifications. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans held Earth Day protests in cities across the US to demand change.
In response to the growing public outcry for change, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was formed in December 1970. With this new agency came the newly enacted laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act.
What a powerful way to demonstrate how much change can come from citizen engagement!
Today, Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) looks back on some of our Louisiana Earth Day events in Baton Rouge, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary today! Although this year is surely different than most with no official public celebration, we hope you will all celebrate in your own ways safely at home!
On this very special Earth Day, let us all remember the power of citizen engagement and how important it is to be involved. LWF works tirelessly every year watching changes in regulations and following the Legislature for bills that may affect our environment. We inform our supporters of the issues and provide information needed to take action. LWF also celebrates outstanding conservation achievement each year through our awards program. It’s gratifying to see the benefits Louisiana’s citizens and organizations have made in protecting our bit of earth.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – The Lorax
