How did Silent Spring impact legislation? How does the EPA perform its duties?

1 Answer
Oct 18, 2017

Silent Spring (by Rachel Carson) helped spread awareness of dangers to the environment cause by humans, which soon spurred the Gov't into action. For example, Silent Spring explained that the "miracle pesticide" DDT was harming bald eagles, which was why their populations were dropping. After the gov't confirmed this, they passed legislation banning the use of DDT, and its use is currently only allowed in outbreaks of malaria.

The EPA plans out and enforces legislation that is passed by Congress. They lay out plans for how new acts will be enforced and how the goals stated in the acts will reached. They are also a main source of environmental data.