Legal Definitions - Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent agency within the U.S. federal government's executive branch. Its primary mission is to safeguard human health and protect the natural environment across the country. The EPA achieves this by:

• Developing and enforcing regulations and standards to control pollution in areas such as air, water, and land.
• Overseeing the safe management of waste, pesticides, and toxic substances.
• Conducting research to understand environmental issues and find solutions.
• Working collaboratively with state, tribal, and local governments, as well as businesses and the public, to achieve environmental goals.

Here are some examples of the EPA's work:

• Example 1: Setting National Air Quality Standards
  The EPA might establish new, stricter limits on particulate matter emissions from industrial facilities across the country to improve air quality in urban areas. This action directly illustrates the EPA's role in setting pollution-control standards for air to protect public health.

• Example 2: Investigating and Penalizing Illegal Waste Dumping
  After receiving reports of a company illegally dumping hazardous chemical waste into a local river, the EPA would launch an investigation. If violations are found, the agency could issue significant fines and require the company to clean up the contamination, demonstrating its function in enforcing environmental laws related to toxic materials and water pollution.

• Example 3: Supporting State-Led Water Infrastructure Projects
  A state government might apply for and receive a grant from the EPA to upgrade its aging wastewater treatment facilities. This funding and technical guidance from the EPA helps the state improve its water quality infrastructure, showcasing the agency's role in coordinating and supporting the anti-pollution efforts of state and local governments.