Nixon creates the EPA through Reorganization Plan No. 3

President Nixon's Reorganization Plan No. 3 took effect, consolidating environmental functions from 15 agencies into the new Environmental Protection Agency. The Senate confirmed William Ruckelshaus as first Administrator the same day. EPA gained authority over air pollution, water pollution, pesticides, radiation, and solid waste from a starting budget of $1.4 billion and 5,743 staff transferred from other agencies.