The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970 to address the growing public concern over the impact we are having on the environment and human health. This continues to be the primary mission of the EPA, and the agency has been granted the authority to perform several important functions to carry out this mission.
1. Establish and Enforce Regulations
The EPA has the authority to develop and implement national regulations that have been deemed necessary in the protection of human and environmental health. In addition, the EPA sets national standards that can be used as guidelines by states and tribal nations to develop and enforce their own environmental regulations.
These regulations cover a wide range of topics in several sectors, including agriculture, automotive, construction, utilities, natural resources and transportation. Some of the primary regulatory topics are acid rain, asbestos, climate change, mold and toxic release. The EPA also has the power to enforce laws and regulations concerning the environment in four major categories: air, water, waste and criminal activity.
2. Offer Grants
Almost half of the EPA’s budget of $8 billion goes toward establishing and granting awards to states, nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to conduct environmental studies and develop environmental programs. A wide variety of these studies and programs have already helped the agency in its mission, and more are currently in development.
The EPA oversees a total of 11 grants management offices (GMOs), including a headquarters GMO in Washington, D.C. To receive grants, officially known as assistance agreements, applicants must first attend a training seminar to ensure they understand all regulations and how the assistance should be managed.
3. Study Issues Affecting the Environment
As the leading environmental researcher in the U.S., the EPA operates laboratories across the country to discover and deal with environmental problems. The information that is obtained from this scientific research is shared with other government agencies, foreign countries, private organizations and academic institutions to propagate further solutions.
The research branch of the EPA also looks closely at the future environmental challenges we will face as a nation and a planet using a variety of methods and tools, including new technological innovations. A few of the current research topics are air, climate change, ecosystems, health, pesticides, toxins, pesticides and sustainable practices.
4. Teach Others About the Environment
One of the most important functions of the EPA is to teach people about the environment and how to protect it. This starts by ensuring everyone understands the issues, and it is carried out through published materials, public lectures and resources for both teachers and students.
Resources for the public are available on the EPA website and are divided into several categories: air, chemicals and toxins, climate change, emergencies, green living, health and safety, land and cleanup, pesticides, waste and water.
5. Assist in Homeland Security
Because man-made events, activities and situations are in the agency’s jurisdiction, the EPA is charged in assisting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with issues involving national security.
If an unintentional event or man-made disaster occurs, the EPA lends its help in the areas of water security, emergency response, decontamination and recovery. Some of this power has been granted to the EPA through legislation, and some was established through presidential directives.
With the mission of protecting human health and the health of the environment in its hands, the EPA is an integral part of the U.S. infrastructure, and the agency performs several functions to help in its mission. Whether it is enforcing regulations, awarding grants, conducting research or teaching others, the American people depend on the EPA for their health.
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