Since Rachel Carson, a native of Pennsylvania, began her work to change the laws and regulations dictating our treatment of the natural world, many environmental laws and regulations have been passed to protect natural areas and the resources and species which inhabit them. From the Clean Air Act of 1955 to today's Pennsylvania Growing Greener program, significant changes in legislation have helped increase public awareness about the environment and have made great strides in protecting the land, water, air, and wildlife.

In this activity you will learn about environmental laws and regulations in Pennsylvania and how they affect the way we live. On the next page you will find 14 different environmental scenarios. Read an issue and decide how it should be addressed. For each scenario, you will be provided with information on environmental impacts, environmental laws, and environmental agencies.

Click here to learn about Rachel Carson's life and work.

 

Click here to begin your investigation

Credits and references | Educator's guide