Illinois environmental history: The lead-up (1960s) to the passage of Illinois environmental protection act

Abstract

This study explores the critical environmental challenges faced by Chicago and Illinois in the 1960s, marked by severe water, air, and land pollution. This crisis threatened public health, limited recreational opportunities, and sparked urgent demands for action. The research examines the complex interplay between unregulated industrial activities, public health concerns, and evolving regulatory responses, culminating in the landmark 1970 Illinois Environmental Protection Act. Drawing on media investigations, ecological studies, and citizen activism, the paper sheds light on the pivotal forces that shaped environmental policy in a heavily industrialized state. Importantly, it argues that the success achieved in Illinois regarding the passage of the Environmental Protection Act was facilitated by the combined efforts of citizen activists, media personnel, and environmentalists. Beyond a historical account, the research offers valuable insights into the development of environmental governance, policy formation, and the dynamic relationship between industry, society, and the environment, contributing to ongoing academic discourse on these crucial topics.