Publications

The EPA historical publications provide a colorful narrative history of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, including its formative years. The oral histories share the insights of those who have led the Agency, and give the public an idea of how the government has managed environmental affairs.

The Guardian: Origins of the EPA
EPA Historical Publication-1, Spring 1992.

Provides background on the conservation, ecology, and early environmental movements, the first Earth Day, and the establishment of EPA.

The Guardian: EPA's Formative Years, 1970-1973
EPA 202-K-93-002, September 1993.

Provides details on the early years of EPA, including functions transferred from other agencies; EPA's early organization; EPA's enforcement strategy; early air pollution control efforts; the banning of DDT; and the leadership of EPA Agency Administrators William D. Ruckelshaus, and Russell E. Train.

William D. Ruckelshaus: Oral History Interview
EPA 202-K-92-0003, January 1993.

Examines the first (1970-73) and second (1983-85) terms of EPA Agency Administrator William D. Ruckelshaus, including EPA's relationship with the White House, Congress, industry, state governments, and environmental movement; and issues related to international affairs, budgets, Nixon and Reagan policies, and efforts towards cabinet status for EPA.

Russell E. Train: Oral History Interview
EPA 202-K-93-001, July 1993.
(This publication is not available in print.)

Examines the early life and career, and the term of the second EPA Agency Administrator (1973-77), Russell E. Train, including his pre-EPA role as Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ); EPA policy developments related to the catalytic converter, pesticide registration, toxic substances, the Clean Air Act, and energy; EPA relations with Congress, the White House, states/cities, and the environmental movement; issues related to EPA in an international setting, and efforts towards Cabinet status.

Alvin L. Alm: Oral History Interview
EPA 202-K-94-005, January 1994.

Examines the career of Alvin L. Alm at EPA, including his 1983-85 term as EPA Deputy Administrator, during William K. Ruckelshaus's second term as EPA Agency Administrator. Includes information on EPA's management and budget organization; significant issues at EPA in the 1970s; the energy crisis; EPA relations with Congress, the White House, courts, environmentalists, and industry; and EPA's mission and management culture.

William K. Reilly: Oral History Interview
EPA 202-K-95-002, September 1995.

Examines the background and role of EPA Agency Administrator William K. Reilly (1989-1993) during the George Bush Administration, including: his background with the Council on Environmental Quality, World Wildlife Fund, and Conservation Foundation; EPA relationships with Congress, the White House, OMB and the Council on Competitiveness, industry, the press, and state, local, and tribal governments; global political changes and EPA; significant accomplishments, and more.

Douglas M. Costle: Oral History Interview
EPA 202-K-01-002, January 2001.
(This publication is not available in print.)

Examines the background in the Nixon Administration and the term of Douglas M. Costle as EPA Agency Administrator (1977-1981) during the Carter Administration, including: involvement with President Nixon's Advisory Council on Executive Organization; EPA's implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); energy policy; the growth of risk assessment and regulatory analysis in standard-setting at EPA; and EPA relations with Congress, states, courts, and the public.

Publications

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