Before the EPA: A Polluted Nation
Before President Nixon’s creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970, the US lacked federal regulation on water and air pollution. The EPA’s initiative in the 1970s enlisted 100 photographers to capture the environmental conditions in the country.
The Documerica Project: A Visual Record
The EPA’s “The Documerica Project” resulted in a collection of 81,000 photos depicting a grim reality of the US, showcasing smoke, smog, acid, oil, trash, and sewage. The project shed light on the pressing need for environmental protection.
Reflecting on the Past: City Transformations
As Earth Day approaches, a selection of 35 photos from cities like Baltimore, Cleveland, New York, and San Francisco serves as a stark reminder of the pollution-filled past. These images, though jarring, emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship and the progress made since the EPA’s inception.