The public reaction to the Cuyahoga River disaster was one of shock and outrage. Many people were horrified by the images of the river on fire and the pollution that caused it. This event helped to spark the environmental movement in the United States, leading to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972. People began to realize the harmful effects of pollution on the environment and the need for stronger regulations to protect natural resources. The disaster also prompted increased public awareness and activism around environmental issues, as people joined together to push for stricter environmental regulations and cleaner waterways.
