c) EPA establishment

A major policy shift occurred in U.S. environmental law in the 1970s with the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970. This move signaled a growing recognition of the importance of environmental protection and the need for federal oversight. The EPA was tasked with regulating pollutants, enforcing environmental laws, and conducting research on environmental issues. Its creation marked a significant expansion of the government’s role in environmental policy, reflecting a shift in public awareness about environmental issues and a commitment to addressing environmental challenges through regulation and policy.