Although Nixon's motives may have been more about politics than genuine concern for the environment, he was instrumental in many key developments regarding conservation. National Environmental Policy Act, Created the EPA, clean air act, Marine Mammal Protection act, safe Drinking water act, endangered Species act.
Why is Nixon remembered more for Watergate and detente?
Nixon is remembered more for Watergate and detente because these were significant events that had a major impact on his presidency and legacy. The Watergate scandal, in which Nixon and his administration were found to have engaged in illegal activities to cover up their involvement in a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, ultimately led to Nixon resigning from office. This scandal tarnished his reputation and overshadowed his accomplishments in other areas, including conservation.
Similarly, Nixon's policy of detente, which was characterized by efforts to improve relations with the Soviet Union and China, was a major foreign policy initiative that had lasting effects on global politics. These high-profile events, along with the negative attention they garnered, have tended to overshadow Nixon's conservation efforts in the public consciousness.