Recognizing our Top 3 Picks for the Most Environmentally Friendly U.S. Presidents!

As Presidents Day approaches as it does annually on the 3^rd Monday in February it is a time often reserved for reflection.  Although Presidents Day actually mirrors the birth of the first U.S. President, George Washington, it was intended to honor all who have followed in his footsteps.  For over two centuries American Presidents have built legacies on many accomplishments but none may be as vital and cemented to the human spirit as the preservation of our environment.  It is for this reason that we now reflect back on the environmental legacies of the three top environmental friendly U.S. Presidents.

Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909)

When it came to environmental and conservational activism President Roosevelt is considered by many to be the father of the movement.  He took his approach to the subject seriously and it can be said that he really did, “Speak softly and carry a big stick”, in order to gain successions.  It can be said that he planted the seed of environmental consciousness that still challenges all future Presidents.

Using the 1891 Forest Reserve Act as his ‘stick’ he created 150 million acres of public domain to be forever protected and enjoyed.  The U.S. Forest Service was given birth under his watch.  He would create 5 national parks including the Grand Canyon and designate over 50 wildlife refuges.  Over a century ago he questioned the immortality of our natural resources, long before it was politically correct.  His vision in one way or another assisted with enhanced environmental employment offering environmental jobs for unemployed Americans.

Richard Nixon (1969-1974)

Perhaps unfortunately President Nixon’s environmental legacy will be forever overlooked due to his connection to the Watergate Scandal that brought his Presidency to a premature end.  On Earth Day in 1970 more than 20 million people gathered on streets across America to protest their environmental concerns.  Richard Nixon reacted by signing many environmental acts into law.  The EPA or Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Air Act were two of his most respected accomplishments.  In his Presidency he would sign 7 more acts including the Endangered Species Act in 1973.  All of his landmark accomplishments should be remembered on this Presidents Day.

Jimmy Carter (1977-1981)

President Carter has been a larger than life figure in support of environmental, conservational and humanitarian pursuits.  In 1977 he created the Department of Energy with a sincere desire to protect natural resources and pursue the establishment of alternative fuels.  This no doubt created numerous environmental management jobs and spawned solar energy courses that led to solar energy job opportunities.  He actually had solar energy panels placed on top of the white house.  He would also sign into law over a half dozen acts structured towards environmental conservation including the Alaskan National Interest Lands Conservation Act that would protect over a million acres for future generations to enjoy.

Environmentally Retrospective Presidents Day

Numerous other Presidents left their mark in relation to the environmental cause.  This Presidents Day let us not forget actions taken, like renewable energy incentives and the alternative energy bill, that were designed to enhance new alternatives to be found.  As we honor our Presidents past and present let us find comfort in those who shared the vision and concern for our environment and paved a way for a more promising tomorrow.

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