EPA

EPA or Environmental Protection Agency is an independent executive agency of the United States federal government tasked with environmental protection matters. The EPA was proposed by President Richard Nixon and began operation on December 2, 1970, after Nixon signed an executive order. The order establishing the EPA was ratified by committee hearings in the House and Senate.

History

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established by President Richard Nixon on December 2, 1970. Prior to the establishment of the EPA, the federal government was not structured to comprehensively regulate environmental pollutants. The EPA was created to consolidate federal research, monitoring, standard-setting, and enforcement activities into one agency for the purpose of ensuring environmental protection.

Functions

The EPA's responsibilities include the detection and prevention of pollution, the enforcement of national standards under a variety of environmental laws, and the coordination of policies and programs with state and local governments. The EPA also conducts environmental assessment, research, and education.

Structure

The EPA is led by its Administrator, who is appointed by the President and approved by Congress. The EPA has its headquarters in Washington, D.C., regional offices for each of the agency's ten regions, and 27 laboratories.

Criticism and Controversy

The EPA has been criticized and involved in controversy for various reasons, including its regulatory reach, particularly in the areas of air pollution control and enforcement of environmental laws.

See Also

• Clean Air Act
• Clean Water Act
• Endangered Species Act
• National Environmental Policy Act
• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

References

EPA Resources
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