Gaylord Nelson was a Senator from Wisconsin who was elected in 1962 for his liberal beliefs and immediately began working towards environmental policy in Washington. He was later elected governor and became known as the “conservation governor.” After years of fighting for environmental conservation and bringing awareness of damages to the planet, Nelson began a grassroots effort of planning an even larger event. Earth Day was established as April 22, 1970 as a way for people to hold themselves accountable for what impact their actions have on the earth, as well as bring more awareness to the government. Following the first Earth Day, the “Environmental Decade” began with many important pieces of legislation being passed. Earth Day is still celebrated yearly following Nelson’s efforts and activism.
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