Happy Earth Day! Annually, April 22 marks the anniversary of the environmental movement that was established in 1970. Inspired by student anti-war protests and concern of environmental pollution, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson tapped U.S. Rep. Pete McCloskey of California to co-chair a movement. They enlisted the help of Dennis Hayes, an activist, to form a national environmental network and to organize events, including teach-ins on college campuses.
The first Earth Day prompted 20 million Americans to peacefully protest the deterioration of the environment. Today, it is one of the most recognized events in the world, pushing people to plan celebrations, days of service and push for national and local policy changes to help ensure a safe, healthy and clean planet.
Oakland County is committed to protecting the environment, reducing carbon pollution, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, keeping our water and lakes safe and conserving natural resources. While consistently working to promote sustainability, Oakland County Environmental Sustainability Officer Erin Quetell traveled more than 60 miles to the Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron from Waterford Township in an electric vehicle (EV) to present at the Michigan Association of Counties. Watch the video below to see what it’s like driving an EV on a long-distance road trip:
EV Chargers by the Numbers
- 21,700: the number of public electric vehicle chargers in the United States
- 200: the number of public electric vehicle chargers in Michigan
Participate in an Earth Day Event Near You
Many Oakland County cities, villages, and townships are hosting Earth Day events to help ensure a safe, healthy and clean environment. Use our list to observe Earth Day and participate in an event near you, then continue to protect and preserve our environment each and every day.
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