The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency or the EPA is to protect human health and the environment.
EPA's purpose is to ensure that:
- all Americans are protected from significant risks to human health and the environment where they live, learn and work;
- national efforts to reduce environmental risk are based on the best available scientific information;
- federal laws protecting human health and the environment are enforced fairly and effectively;
- environmental protection is an integral consideration in U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing environmental policy;
- all parts of society -- communities, individuals, businesses, and state, local and tribal governments -- have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and environmental risks;
- environmental protection contributes to making our communities and ecosystems diverse, sustainable and economically productive; and
- the United States plays a leadership role in working with other nations to protect the global environment.
To accomplish this mission, we:
Develop and enforce regulations
When Congress writes an environmental law, we implement it by writing regulations. Often, we set national standards that states and tribes enforce their own regulations. If they fail to meet the national standards, we can help them. We also enforce our regulations, and help companies understand the requirements.
Study environmental issues
At laboratories located throughout the nation, we identify and try to solve environmental problems. To learn even more, we share information with other countries, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and other agencies.
Sponsor partnerships
We don't protect the environment on our own. We work with businesses, non-profit organizations, and state and local governments through dozens of partnerships. A few examples include conserving water and energy, minimizing greenhouse gases, re-using solid waste, and getting a handle on pesticide risks. In return, we share information and publicly recognize our partners.
Teach people about the environment
Protecting the environment is everyone's responsibility, and starts with understanding the issues. The basics include reducing how much energy and materials you use, reusing what you can and recycling the rest. There's a lot more about that to learn!
More Legal and Business Bylines From EPA
- EPA Takes Action to Protect Consumers from Harmful Chemicals that can Cause Reproductive and Developmental Harm - (Posted On Monday, December 29, 2014)
- XTO Energy, Inc. to Restore Areas Damaged by Natural Gas Extraction Activities - (Posted On Saturday, December 27, 2014)
- Two Texas Companies and Four Chinese Manufacturers Found to Be in Violation of Clean Air Act for Selling More than 11,000 Uncertified Motorcycles and ATVs - (Posted On Friday, December 26, 2014)
- EPA Announces First National Regulations to Safeguard Disposal of Coal Ash - (Posted On Friday, December 26, 2014)
- EPA, Coast Guard Extend Pollution Control Agreement with Royal Caribbean: New Advanced Technologies Allow Industry to Comply with Emission Standards, Reduce Costs - (Posted On Friday, December 26, 2014)
- Federal Agencies Support Virginia’s Innovative Market-based Approach to Improving Water Quality in Chesapeake Bay - (Posted On Friday, December 26, 2014)
- EPA Announces 2014 Annual Environmental Enforcement Results - (Posted On Thursday, December 25, 2014)
- EPA Tips for Building a Cleaner Fire this Holiday Season - (Posted On Wednesday, December 24, 2014)
- EPA Presidential Advisory Committee Issues Report on Ecological Restoration in the U.S. - Mexico Border Region - (Posted On Monday, December 15, 2014)
- Obama Administration Selects 26 Communities to Develop Local Food Projects, Encourage Economic Expansion/ Local Foods, Local Places Initiative encourages creative economic development in 26 communities in 19 states - (Posted On Monday, December 08, 2014)