Environment :: Henry M. Jackson Foundation
Environment and Natural Resources Management Program
Senator Jackson's Environmental and Natural Resources Management Legacy
"A statement of environmental policy is more than just a statement in what we believe as a people and as a nation. It establishes priorities and gives expression to our national goals and aspirations. It serves a constitutional function in that people may refer to it for guidance in making decisions where environmental values are found to be in conflict with other values."
-Senator Henry M. Jackson from a Senate hearing before the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, April 1969
Senator Jackson was an integral figure in the shaping of federal environmental policies during the 1960s and 1970s. Throughout his career he was committed to protecting and managing the environment wisely while also balancing economic interests. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for 18 years, he was instrumental in passing legislation regarding national parks, energy resources and land use. In addition to his leadership on land use issues, Senator Jackson believed in the importance of mobilizing young people to support environmental efforts.
In 1969 Senator Henry M. "Scoop" Jackson visited a Student Conservation Association (SCA) crew in Olympic National Park. SCA is a national organization that provides members to restore and protect national parks, forests, green spaces, and cultural landmarks throughout the United States. The crew and the work Senator Jackson witnessed inspired him to collaborate with fellow Senator Warren G. Magnuson to gain congressional support for establishment of the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). Jack Dolstad, the co-executive director for SCA at the time, and Liz Putnam, the founder of SCA, were the principal witnesses for Senator Jackson, in 1971 at the congressional hearing for YCC. Senator Jackson went on to promote legislation that lead to the foundation of several national parks, including San Juan Island Historic Park where SCA members are serving today.
Senator Jackson was an integral figure in the shaping of federal environmental policies during the 1960s and 1970s. Throughout his career he was committed to protecting and managing the environment wisely while also balancing economic interests. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for 18 years, he was instrumental in passing legislation regarding national parks, energy resources and land use. In addition to his leadership on land use issues, Senator Jackson believed in the importance of mobilizing young people to support environmental efforts.
In 1969 Senator Henry M. "Scoop" Jackson visited a Student Conservation Association (SCA) crew in Olympic National Park. SCA is a national organization that provides members to restore and protect national parks, forests, green spaces, and cultural landmarks throughout the United States. The crew and the work Senator Jackson witnessed inspired him to collaborate with fellow Senator Warren G. Magnuson to gain congressional support for establishment of the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). Jack Dolstad, the co-executive director for SCA at the time, and Liz Putnam, the founder of SCA, were the principal witnesses for Senator Jackson, in 1971 at the congressional hearing for YCC. Senator Jackson went on to promote legislation that lead to the foundation of several national parks, including San Juan Island Historic Park where SCA members are serving today.