1970

U. S. Congress passes the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970, which requires federal agencies to include an environmental impact statement in every recommendation or proposed federal action that will significantly affect the U. S. environment. That same year the Environmental

Protection Agency is established to evaluate the impact of waste and pollution and to enforce standards.

The first Earth Day is celebrated on March 21.

Kate Millet’s Sexual Politics is published; the best-selling book analyzes female oppression.

American troops invade Cambodia. Protests sweep American college campuses; Ohio National Guardsmen fatally shoot four students while dispersing a demonstration at Kent State University.

U. S. Congress passes the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, which strengthens laws used to fight crime syndicates. Among its provisions is the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act of 1970, which defines penalties for racketeering.

U. S. Congress passes the Controlled Substance Act, which consolidates numerous laws regarding the manufacture and distribution of legal and illegal drugs.

U. S. Congress passes the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which gives the Secretary of Labor the authority to establish safety standards for all workers engaged in interstate commerce.

U. S. Congress passes the Clean Air Act of 1970, which sets national ambient air quality standards.