Environmental control stations were used by Starfleet as early as the mid-22nd century. Aboard an NX-class starship, the environmental controls console was on the port side bulkhead of the situation room, with a hand hold nearby on either side. (ENT: "Chosen Realm") The term "environmental controls console" comes from the final draft script of "Chosen Realm". That script described the placement of the station only in as much as to say it was to be "to the rear of the Bridge." Starfleet officer Jae frequently manned the environment station. (TNG: "Reunion" , etc.)