Which environmental issue was a major concern in California during the 1970s?

During the 1970s, air pollution emerged as a significant environmental concern in California, primarily due to the rapid industrialization and population growth that characterized the region during this period. The smog in urban areas, particularly in Los Angeles, became widely recognized, leading to public health issues and prompting widespread awareness of air quality problems.

This era experienced pivotal changes, such as the establishment of the Californian Air Resources Board in 1967, which marked a serious commitment to combating air pollution. The Clean Air Act amendments in the early 1970s further spurred initiatives aimed at reducing emissions from vehicles and industries. Consequently, air pollution was not only a pressing environmental problem but also a catalyst for legislative reforms and the broader environmental movement in California.

Other environmental concerns, such as oil spills, wildfire management, and marine conservation, were also relevant during the decade, but it was the alarming levels of air pollution that led to significant regulatory actions and raised public consciousness about environmental issues in California at that time.