What Is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)? What It Does

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an agency of the United States federal government that was created for the purpose of protecting human health and the environment by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress. The EPA is responsible for a wide range of environmental issues, including air pollution, water pollution, hazardous waste, pesticides, and radiation.

The EPA was created in 1970 under President Richard Nixon. The agency's creation was a response to growing public concern about environmental issues, such as air pollution and water pollution. The EPA was given broad authority to regulate environmental pollution, and it has issued a wide range of regulations in the years since its creation.

The EPA's regulations have had a significant impact on the environment. For example, the EPA's regulations on air pollution have helped to reduce air pollution levels in the United States by more than 70% since 1970. The EPA's regulations on water pollution have also helped to improve water quality in the United States.

The EPA has also been involved in a number of high-profile environmental cases. For example, the EPA sued the Ford Motor Company in 1973 for violating the Clean Air Act. The EPA also sued the General Motors Corporation in 1979 for violating the Clean Air Act. These lawsuits resulted in significant changes to the way that these companies manufactured their vehicles.

The EPA has been criticized by some for being too bureaucratic and for not being effective enough in protecting the environment. However, the EPA has also been praised by others for its important role in protecting human health and the environment.

The EPA is a complex and controversial agency. However, there is no doubt that it has played a significant role in protecting the environment in the United States.