The latest from Standards Manual recalls an era of enhanced design and commitment to its mission During a month when activists and protestors feel compelled to march in favor of science in general, and action against climate change in particular, the original mission of the Environmental Protection Agency seems more important than ever. With a new head administrator, Scott Pruitt, who has, in his own words, spent years fighting the agency?s ?activist agenda,? and some Republicans in Congress even introducing legislation to abolish the EPA, it may be easy to forget the ?70s-era optimism that led to the agency?s formation.
A forthcoming reissue of the agency?s rare, late ?70s design bible, the 1977 Environmental Protection Agency Graphic Standards Manual, announced today via Kickstarter, looks back at that time, showcasing both a comprehensive and impressive graphic design project as well as a different era in environmental policy. ?It?s not secret this is a very timely reissue, since the agency itself is under attack,? says Jesse Reed, co-founder of the Standards Manual imprint, along with Hamish Smyth, which is reissuing the manual in time for Earth Day and the climate march.

EPA Graphics Standards System, detail scan of Special Format page.

EPA Graphics Standards System, Program Colors.

Focused on preserving design history, Standards Manual, which has reissued publications like NASA?s graphic design manual and Massimo ...