Introduction
The phrase October 1948 , Donora, Pennsylvania, defines the struggle to conserve the environment in America. A community’s source of livelihood also becomes a source of death and destruction. The community picks up shotguns to protect the factory and, by extension, their livelihoods. The government makes hard decisions in the interest of the environment and, by extension, the community (Brimblecombe, 2017). The main difference between 1948 and 2020, is that currently, most of America is Donora in 1948, and in desperate need of some tough decisions by the government to protect the environment and the nation.
Similarities between 1948 and 2020
Just as in 1948, some environmental regulation is in place today, but it is not enough. Most of the regulation in 1948 was localized and not adequately implemented. In 2020, there are local and federal laws, but the implementation is still relatively weak (McNabb & McNabb, 2016). The other similarity is that the causes of pollution were also essential lifelines for the nation. In 1948, the chief polluters were industrial complexes that provided jobs and necessities. In 2020, industries are still a source of pollution, but transport and energy are among the primary sources of pollution (Larr & Neidell, 2016). The nation needs transport and energy for the day to day lives of its citizens just as it relied on its industrial might in 1948.
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Differences between 1948 and 2020
Among the main differences between 1948 and 2020 is that the incidence in Donora, Pennsylvania made national headlines and instigated a national dialogue. However, in 2020, a pollution-related incidence that only affects a local community leading to less than 40 deaths that do not happen on the spot would barely create attention. Pollution us so widespread in America that some urban centers either have a visible haze or the constant smell of pollutants (Worland, 2020). Secondly, in 1948, regulators focused on the immediate impact of pollution, such as how the Donora poisonous gases affected residents. Currently, regulators focus more on the long-term effects of pollutants since available regulation has already managed the short term effects (Larr & Neidell, 2016).
Table Illustrating Regulations
| Year | Regulation | Effect |
| 1948 | Federal Water Pollution Control Act | Limit release of toxic waste from factories |
| 1955 | National Air Pollution Control Act | Limit air pollution |
| 1963 | Clean Air Act (WGBH Educational Foundation, 2020). | Federalize the control of air pollution |
| 1969 | National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) | Establish a presidential advisory council on environmental conservation. |
| 1974 | Safe Drinking Water Act | Setting standards for drinking water. |
| 1978 | National Energy Conservation Policy Act (WGBH Educational Foundation, 2020) | Providing parameters for energy conversation. |
| 1990 | Oil Pollution Act of 1990 | Limiting pollution through the combustion of mineral fuels. |
| 1996 | Food Quality Protection Act | Protecting food supplies from pollutants. |
| 2005 | Energy Policy Act of 2005 | Expanding modalities for energy conservation (McNabb & McNabb, 2016). |
Necessary Environmental Regulations
The situation revolving around October 1948, Donora, Pennsylvania, provides the best justification for environmental regulation. As friends, family, and loved ones lay dying in hospitals, the residents of Donora picked up shotguns to protect the killer factory (Brimblecombe, 2017). For clarity, environmental regulation is an absolute necessity. The reaction in Donora was instinctive and showed that humans would seek to protect their source of livelihoods at the cost of the environment. Most major pollutants are necessities for the economy. Without regulations, these pollutants will continue expanding with the support of the populace due to their necessity. Regulation balances the interests of the populace with those of the environment (McNabb & McNabb, 2016). By extension, regulation protects people from themselves as most people will only worry about the interim with little concern about the long run.
Conclusion
There have been significant changes between 1948 and the current times, including significant advancements in technology and an exponential increase in environmental regulation. However, there is still a need for more environmental regulation to protect humanity from itself. Most significant pollutants such as power stations and motor vehicles are bare necessities that the modern world cannot do without until it finds alternatives. More stringent regulation will increase the efforts to establish these alternatives.
References
Brimblecombe, P. (2017). Donora (1948): Controversial Contaminants. Air Pollution Episodes , 43-56.
Geri, L. R., & McNabb, D. E. (2016). Energy policy in the US: politics, challenges, and prospects for change . CRC Press.
Larr, A. S., & Neidell, M. (2016). Pollution and climate change. The Future of Children , 93-113.
WGBH Educational Foundation. (2020). The Modern Environmental Movement. PBS . https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/earth-days-modern-environmental-movement/
Worland, J. (2020, April 1). Coronavirus Drives Pollution Dip But It Wont Last. Time . https://time.com/5812741/air-pollution-coronavirus/
