Douglas M. Costle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Douglas M. Costle
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| 3rd Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency | |
| In office March 7, 1977 – January 20, 1981 |
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| President | Jimmy Carter |
| Deputy | Barbara Blum |
| Preceded by | Russell E. Train |
| Succeeded by | Anne Gorsuch Burford |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Douglas Michael Costle
July 27, 1939 Long Beach, California, U.S. |
| Died | January 13, 2019 (aged 79) McLean, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Costle |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Harvard University (BA) University of Chicago (JD) |
Douglas Michael Costle (July 27, 1939 – January 13, 2019) was a very important person in creating the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He later led the EPA as its Administrator for President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981. He worked hard to protect our planet.
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Early Life and Education
Douglas Costle was born in Long Beach, California, on July 27, 1939. He grew up in the Pacific Northwest, a beautiful area with lots of nature. His time there, especially fishing, made him realize how important it was to protect the environment.
He went to Harvard University and earned a degree in 1961. Later, he studied law at the University of Chicago Law School, getting his law degree in 1964. He became a lawyer in Washington, D.C., and California. Douglas Costle also served in the United States Army Reserve, working in military intelligence.
Douglas Costle was married to Elizabeth Costle, and they had two children together.
Starting His Career
In 1963, while still studying, Costle worked with the United States Department of Justice. He helped with early legal actions against unfair rules that stopped some people from voting in the Southern United States.
From 1964 to 1965, he was a trial lawyer for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. This division works to protect everyone's civil rights.
He also worked as a lawyer for the Economic Development Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Later, he worked for law firms and urban planning companies.
Before the EPA was even created in 1970, Douglas Costle led a study that suggested it should be formed. He was a key person in making the idea of the EPA a reality.
In the early 1970s, he became the Deputy Commissioner, then Commissioner, of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. This job involved protecting the environment in Connecticut. He also advised the EPA on land use policies. From 1975 to 1977, he worked for the Congressional Budget Office, which helps Congress understand government spending.
Leading the Environmental Protection Agency
In 1977, President Jimmy Carter chose Douglas Costle to be the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. This was a very important job, as he was in charge of protecting the environment for the entire United States. He held this position until 1981.
As EPA Administrator, Costle led the U.S. Regulatory Council. He also represented President Carter in international groups focused on environmental challenges. This included working with NATO and leading environmental cooperation efforts with the Soviet Union and China.
After the EPA
After his time at the EPA, Douglas Costle became the dean of the Vermont Law School from 1987 to 1991. A dean is like the head of a school or college.
In 1991, he helped start the Institute for Sustainable Communities. This is a non-profit group that works to build better environmental, economic, and social systems around the world. They help communities become stronger and more environmentally friendly.
In 1994, he tried to become a U.S. Senator for Vermont, but he did not win the primary election.
His Passing
Douglas Costle passed away on January 13, 2019, at his home in McLean, Virginia. He was 79 years old. He is remembered for his important work in creating and leading the EPA, helping to protect our environment for future generations.
