50th Anniversary Narrative
Fifty years ago, Missouri Coalition for the Environment (MCE) began its work in 1969 in St. Louis as the region’s first independent, grassroots citizens’ group, created to address a broad range of environmental policy issues. There was no Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), no Department of Natural Resources, and no Clean Water Act or Clean Air Act, as we know them today. Government leaders were making decisions about how to manage forests, where to cite landfills, and this group organized to help create and implement the tools that have become the backbone of environmental protection.
We litigated when necessary and we stood our ground. Reflecting on the influence of MCE, former Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Steve Mahfood, said, “MCE’s watchful presence was a constant we considered in our decision making. … We counted on MCE to support policies which protected Missouri’s environment and the health and safety of our communities.” The same will be true of the next 50 years.
Today we carry on this legacy by protecting Missouri’s natural resources for the benefit of all and ensuring that every Missourian has the tools to hold government and polluters accountable.
We invite you to be part of our history and success by becoming a sponsor and attending our gala during this very special year.
