Documenting America’s Environmental Crisis
Before President Nixon established the EPA in 1970, pollution in the United States went unchecked. In a bid to capture the grim reality, the EPA engaged 100 photographers in the 1970s to visually document the environmental degradation across the nation.
Unveiling the Harsh Reality
The outcome was staggering – a collection of 81,000 photos depicting a landscape marred by smoke, smog, acid, oil, trash, and sewage. Despite the soft sepia tones, these images served as a stark reminder of the hazardous conditions plaguing the country.
Reflecting on Past Environmental Neglect
As we commemorate Earth Day, revisiting these 35 selected photos from cities like Baltimore, Los Angeles, and New York is a poignant reminder of the significant transformation spurred by the Clean Air Act of 1970 and the Clean Water Act of 1972. These images encapsulate the grim reality of a pre-regulated era when environmental concerns took a back seat.
Let’s not forget the past as we strive to protect our planet for the future.