EARTH DAY HISTORY:

In 1969, a massive oil spill occurred in Santa Barbara. A U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson, visited the spill site and was inspired to establish the first national Earth Day on April 22, 1970. The first Earth Day saw 20 million Americans take to the streets and parks to express support for the environment. Public support for efforts to improve the environment led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act.  Read more about Earth Day’s history. Earth Day is officially April 22 every year, and the month of April is considered Earth Month.  from: SBCounty Air Control Board

LOCAL EVENTS:

22nd:  Celebrate Earth Day at Machado Plaza on Tuesday, April 22nd from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. at 224 West Chapel Street. Santa Maria. Free event sponsored by the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department, in collaboration with the Utilities Department and Public Library.  Learn more.

26th:  Earth Day Celebration at Natural History Museum, 412 S Mcclelland St, Ca 93454, California, Santa Maria, United States.   Come celebrate Earth Day at our FREE family friendly event!  Sat, 26 Apr, 2025 at 11:00 am to 02:00 pm (PDT) Learn more.

LWV POSITIONS:

Since the 1960s, the League has been at the forefront of efforts to protect air, land and water resources. Our approach to environmental protection and pollution control is one of problem solving. The League’s environmental goals aim to prevent ecological degradation, and to reduce and control pollutants before they go down the sewer, up the chimney or into the landfill. We support vigorous enforcement mechanisms, including sanctions for states and localities that do not comply with federal standards as well as substantial fines for noncompliance.

For more information on specific League of Women Voters environmental positions, go to LWVC's Natural Resources positions.