ABSTRACT
Social movement organizations seek to secure law reform; in turn, changes in the law bring about changes in society. This chapter examines the institutionalization of the environmental movement in the United States, paying particular attention to the movement's interaction with law and society. Broad public support for the environment has helped to sustain the nation's basic institutional commitment to the environment as reflected in contemporary law. The legal system helps sustain environmentalism during periods of public inattention, the system of environmental law is itself sustained by a broad social consensus in favor of environmental protection and by a latent environmentalism that stands ready to be activated by environmental groups. The resurgence of the environmental movement resulted in significant transformations in American society and law. Social movements need law reform to help achieve their goals of social change, but law reform itself needs a supportive social and political climate if it is to maintain its viability and effectiveness over time.
