Sustainability in Cities and Communities Throughout the Years

National Housing Act

Jun 27, 1934

This act implemented standards into housing as well as provided a mortgage system in order to get the low-income into safe and reliable housing. Per goal 11, adequate, safe, and affordable housing should be available to everyone and this legislation set the grounds for that.

Civil Rights Act

Jul 2, 1964

The Civil Rights Act made segregation illegal as well as discrimination based on race, age, sex, or religion. This is pertinent to the sustainability of cities and communities because it provides equal access of resources for all such as transportation, housing, and more. Video: Explaining the Civil Rights Act of 1964 & it's 11 Titles

The Wilderness Act

Sep 3, 1964

This act helped preserve many wilderness areas throughout the country, keeping them untouched. These areas are enjoyed by many Americans and are protected land areas that will be a great spectacle for the future.

National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act & Highway Safety Act

Sep 9, 1966

These acts passed in 1966 were the first legislation on motor vehicle safety and are responsible for laws today regarding wearing seatbelts, drunk driving, safety features in cars such as airbags, and more. This is relevant to safe and sustainable transportation.

National Environmental Policy Act

Jan 1, 1970

This law requires that decisions be made with the environmental impact in mind. This requires federal agencies to fill out Environmental Impact Statements that address significant changes in the environment associated with an implemented project/work.

Clean Air Act

Dec 31, 1970

This law was passed with the goal of lowering air pollution by regulating pollutants, putting in place a set level of permissible emissions for factories. This law also focuses on keeping the ozone layer intact as well as controlling acid rain through bans on certain pollutants. Quiz: Test Your Knowledge On All Things Air!

Clean Water Act

1972

This law, first enacted in 1948, was amended in 1972 to be what we know it as today. This law focuses its efforts on reducing pollutants in water and maintaining its quality. It also addressed point vs. nonpoint sources and their effect on water pollution. Video: Explaining the Clean Water Act

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Oct 21, 1976

This law focuses on solid waste management and control, whether that’s hazardous or non-hazardous waste. It allows the EPA to track hazardous waste from cradle to grave. Quiz: Test Your Pollution Knowledge!

The Stafford Act

Nov 23, 1988

This act is a disaster relief act that requires government bodies to help aid states and individuals after disasters (monetarily) as well as put mitigation plans in action for future natural disasters.

Energy Policy Act

Oct 24, 1992

This act helps to promote the usage of renewable energy by offering incentives as well as trying to decrease our dependence on energy that is imported. This is relevant to goal 11 because it would be helping reduce the impact of cities as well as being a part of improving air quality. The video below explains the Renewable Fuel Standard, a section under the Energy Policy Act. Video: Why We Need the Renewable Fuel Standard.