Environmental Protection Agency Turns 40

Yesterday marked the 40th anniversary of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an event that has been commemorated throughout the week in activities across the country.

EPA was officially created by President Richard Nixon on December 2, 1970, the result of a growing grassroots movement for clean air, clean water and clean land.

On Monday, the nonprofit Aspen Institute unveiled a list of 10 ways the EPA has strengthened America over the past 40 years. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson joined Aspen Institute President and CEO Walter Isaacson to discuss the list at event in Washington.

Jackson highlighted the list in an address she gave on Thursday in Washington that was broadcast to agency offices across the country:

"Removing Lead from Gasoline and from the Air–a change that has saved hundreds of thousands of lives. Removing the Acid from Rain–an innovative, cost-effective effort EPA undertook to handle a complex challenge. Clearing Secondhand Smoke–which helped children and families and everyone else live healthier lives. Vehicle Efficiency and Emissions Control–thanks to EPA, cars today are far cleaner than they were a generation ago. Controlling Toxic Substances–a critical children’s health issue. Banning Widespread Use of DDT–the subject of Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring; a chemical that was reported to be in nearly every meal in America; a toxin that almost wiped out our national symbol, the bald eagle; banned because of EPA’s efforts. Rethinking Waste as Materials–an effort that continues to grow in both utility and importance, especially as we deal more and more with electronic wastes. A Clean Environment for All/Environmental Justice–an issue that ensures we are reaching every single community, helping them see their stake in a clean environment, and empowering them to get there. Cleaner Water–something every American holds dear and one of the places where EPA touches our daily lives the most. And The “Community Right to Know” Act–an essential part of the work we do."

Administrator Jackson was joined at the event by Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood at the event.

To wrap up the week, Harvard University will hold a daylong conference today in honor of the 40th anniversary. There will be several panel discussions featuring representatives from EPA and other government bodies, academia and the non-profit and private sector.