Uncle Sam and Mother Earth

Book excerpt: Uncle Sam and Mother Earth explains how individual voices and actions can make a real difference in protecting the environment. With eye-opening details and essential information about how the US government works, you'll gain indispensable insight into the complexities of effective environmental action. Author Dr. Jake Plante draws from three decades of work on environmental and energy issues to bring the intriguing process of environmental policy making to life. The narrative begins with a look back at some of the inspiring leaders-Rachel Carson, Stewart Brand, Gaylord Nelson, Bill Ruckelshaus, and Al Gore, to name a few-who energized the modern environmental movement in the United States, highlighting how their understanding of the government's role in agenda setting contributed to their success in raising environmental awareness. In chronicling the government's policy making process, Plante provides a fascinating insider's perspective on the intricate dance of environmental protection that involves institutions such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Council on Environmental Quality, and the US Department of Energy. This inside look is balanced with fascinating examples of local community actions that have made a difference in shaping national policy.