Widely regarded as among America’s most far-sighted Presidents in terms of environmental research, RN’s special message to Congress — enclosed with the annual report of his Council on Environmental Quality — of August 6, 1971 reflects just that:
The work of environmental improvement is a task for all our people. It should unite all elements of our society–of all political persuasions and all economic levels–in a great common commitment to a great common goal. The achievement of that goal will challenge the creativity of our science and technology, the enterprise and adaptability of our industry, the responsiveness and sense of balance of our political and legal institutions, and the resourcefulness and the capacity of this country to honor those human values upon which the quality of our national life must ultimately depend.
Read his message in full here.