Energy

First Electric Plant Built by Thomas Edison in New York

Sep 4, 1882

America's first power plant, serving a square-mile area.

Ford Model-T

Sep 29, 1908

Worlds First Flex Fuel Vehical goes into Mass Production

First Nuclear Power Reactor to Generate Electricity

Dec 20, 1951

Dec. 20, 1951 Built in Idaho, barely enough to power a simple string of four, 100-watt light bulbs.

Atomic Energy Act

Aug 30, 1954

Permitted the wide use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes.

Santa Barbara Oil Spill

Jan 28, 1969

Draws national attention to the dangers of shipping oil

National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Air Act

Jan 1, 1970

Congress began to recognize the importance of legislation protecting the ecosystem and natural resources. Curbing the effects of air pollution was one of the first initiatives, as well as establishing the Council on Environmental Quality.

The Geothermal Energy Association formed

Aug 28, 1972

U.S. trade organization of companies who support the expanded use of geothermal energy.

The Clean Water Act

Oct 18, 1972

Established standards for controlling waste discharge from power plants.

Department of Energy

Aug 4, 1977

Formed in 1977, the Natural Gas Policy Act helped open competition in the natural gas market.

Chernobyl Accident

Apr 26, 1986

Largest nuclear accident ever takes place in the former Soviet Union