Meaning: The quote "The result was, when Congress convened in January 1971, everyone was now an environmentalist. They had seen a new force, college students, who favored the environment" by Pete McCloskey, a politician, reflects a significant shift in public and political attitudes towards the environment in the early 1970s. This period marked a turning point in the environmental movement in the United States, with a growing awareness of environmental issues and a surge in public support for environmental conservation and protection.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the United States experienced a wave of environmental activism and awareness. This was a time of heightened concern over pollution, conservation of natural resources, and the impact of human activities on the environment. The quote captures the sentiment that by the time Congress convened in 1971, there was a widespread acknowledgment of the importance of environmental protection, and this awareness had permeated various segments of society, including the political arena.

The reference to college students as a "new force" in favor of the environment is particularly notable. During this period, college campuses became hotbeds of environmental activism, with students organizing protests, advocating for conservation, and pushing for policy changes to address environmental issues. The influence of young people, particularly college students, played a pivotal role in shaping the environmental agenda and garnering support for environmental causes.

In the years leading up to 1971, several key events and developments had contributed to the growing environmental consciousness in the United States. Rachel Carson's groundbreaking book "Silent Spring," published in 1962, raised public awareness about the dangers of pesticides and their impact on the environment and human health. The environmental movement gained further momentum with the first Earth Day in 1970, which drew millions of people across the country to rallies and events focused on environmental awareness and advocacy.

The public outcry over environmental issues, coupled with the visible impact of activism by college students and other groups, helped to shape the political landscape. As a result, elected officials and policymakers began to recognize the widespread support for environmental protection and the need to address environmental concerns through legislative action.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970, signaling a significant federal commitment to environmental conservation and regulation. Additionally, landmark legislation such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act were passed in the early 1970s, reflecting a newfound emphasis on environmental protection and regulation at the federal level.

Pete McCloskey's quote underscores the transformative nature of this period, highlighting the shift in attitudes towards environmentalism within the political sphere. The recognition that "everyone was now an environmentalist" speaks to the broad-based appeal of environmental concerns and the realization that the protection of the environment had become a shared priority across ideological and partisan lines.

In conclusion, the quote by Pete McCloskey encapsulates a pivotal moment in the history of the environmental movement in the United States. It reflects the widespread embrace of environmentalism within the political arena and the influence of grassroots activism, particularly among college students, in driving public awareness and support for environmental conservation. The early 1970s marked a turning point in the nation's approach to environmental issues, laying the groundwork for significant policy changes and shaping a legacy of environmental advocacy that continues to resonate today.