What we know is that the environmental movement had a series of dazzling victories in the late '60s and in the '70s where the whole legal framework for responding to pollution and to protecting wildlife came into law. It was just victory after victory after victory. And these were what came to be called 'command-and-control' pieces of legislation.

In this quote, Naomi Klein, a prominent environmental activist and author, reflects on the significant successes of the environmental movement during the late 1960s and 1970s. She highlights a series of dazzling victories in which crucial environmental laws were enacted, establishing the legal framework for addressing issues like pollution and protecting wildlife. Klein emphasizes that this period marked a time of tremendous progress for environmental protection, with a series of legislative wins that laid the foundation for modern environmental governance.

Klein specifically refers to these legislative victories as command-and-control laws, which were characterized by government regulations that directly commanded industries to reduce pollution and protect the environment. These laws were groundbreaking at the time, as they forced corporations and industries to comply with specific environmental standards. The phrase "command-and-control" suggests a top-down approach to regulation, where the government played a leading role in setting and enforcing environmental standards.

The origin of this quote stems from Klein’s broader critique of modern environmental policy. Throughout her career, Klein has highlighted the history of the environmental movement, particularly in her book This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate, where she discusses how early environmental victories were shaped by strong governmental action. While acknowledging the successes of the past, she also points out the challenges faced by the movement in later years, especially as corporate interests have grown stronger.

Ultimately, Klein’s quote serves as a reflection on the historical achievements of the environmental movement and the power of legislation in creating lasting change. It also sets the stage for her argument about the need for a new wave of action, one that confronts contemporary environmental issues with similar boldness and determination.