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Abstract: This Note examines the transformation of the American environmental movement into a social movement. First, it provides a history of the American environmental movement. The environmental movement is traced from its origins as an upperclass movement with a wilderness-centered ideology, to its transformation into a richer more diverse membership and an ideology inclusive of the urban environment. Next, the theoretical underpinnings of the environmental movement in social movement theory are highlighted. Finally, the question of whether grassroots environmental groups should protest or litigate, and how the legal system can be strategically used by grassroots environmental groups, is examined.
INTRODUCTION
The rise of grassroots environmentalism within the environmental movement illustrates the transformation of environmentalism as an ideology into a full-fledged social movement. As a social movement, the environmental movement has reached its apex with the rise of grassroots environmentalism.1 Grassroots environmentalism, fueled by anger, energy, and a commitment to democratic processes, has strengthened the environmental movement by introducing diversity and expanding the concept of environmentalism.2 Indeed, these groups have emerged to impact both the environmental movement
and the public consciousness through direct action and protest strategies.3
This Note examines the complex interplay between grassroots environmentalism, protest strategies, and the legal system. Part I provides a history of the evolution of the environmental movement. This section conceptually divides environmentalism into four eras: (a) conservation and preservation; (b) modern environmentalism; (c) mainstream environmentalism; and (d) the rise of grassroots environmentalism.4 In Part II, the theoretical underpinnings of the environmental movement are discussed. First, the endurance of the environmental movement as a social movement is examined, focusing on the structure of the environmental movement. Second, grassroots environmentalism is situated within social movement theory's dominant paradigm, New Social Movement theory. Finally, Part III discusses the strategies and tactics of grassroots environmentalism, focusing on the complex interplay of direct action protests and the legal system. The legal system, rich in symbolism and cultural resonance, can be used to communicate a movement's message to the American public and to increase the legitimacy of that message.
1. THE EVOLUTION OF THE AMERICAN ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT
The American environmental movement encompasses a variety of environmental organizations, ideologies, and approaches.5 Indeed, the evolution of environmentalism from an ideology into a social movement illuminates the...