This is a list of notable events relating to the environment in 1970. They relate to environmental law, conservation, environmentalism and environmental issues.

• The California Environmental Quality Act is passed into law.

• The United States National Environmental Policy Act becomes effective.

• US President Richard Nixon gave the nation's first presidential message on the environment.^[1]

• The first Earth Day took place. Twenty million people participated in teach-ins in the United States.^[2]
• US President Richard Nixon signed the Environmental Quality Improvement Act.^[3]

• The United States Environmental Protection Agency is formed.
• President Richard Nixon signed the Clean Air Act of 1970.

• Human impact on the environment
• List of environmental issues