ABSTRACT
The American philosophy of environmental protection that is an important part of our national agenda was not easily assimilated into American society. American towns were growing rapidly during the 19th century due to highly profitable land speculation and the proliferation of new factory construction in existing town centers. The development of the American environmental protection ethic occurred in three phases. The first covered the time period from the end of the Revolutionary War to the beginning of the 20th century and can be described as the formulation phase. The second phase, called the period of heightened concern, lasted from around 1900 through 1960. The third phase of the environmental movement is best described as the period of panic, and commenced around 1960 and continues to the present. Despite the adverse judicial rulings, the federal government and a significant number of states continue to encourage the preparation of a comprehensive land use plan or master plan for their local governments.
