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 Announces $25.7 Million in Grants to Support Water Systems in Rural and Small Communities - (Posted On Monday, December 12, 2022)
- $10.3 Million in Grants Awarded to Improve the Health of Long Island Sound - (Posted On Monday, December 12, 2022)
- EPA Proposes Rule to Enhance Reporting of PFAS Data to the Toxics Release Inventory - (Posted On Monday, December 05, 2022)
- Biden-Harris Administration Announces $6 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funds to Support Tribal Nations in Reducing Nutrient Pollution in the Mississippi/Atchafalaya River Basin - (Posted On Monday, December 05, 2022)
- EPA begins oversight of General Mills/Henkel Corp. Superfund site in Minneapolis; will host Superfund training and open house on Wednesday, December 14 - (Posted On Monday, December 05, 2022)
- EPA Lauds Recycling and Zero Waste Efforts by Pacific Islands Partners - (Posted On Friday, December 02, 2022)
- Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Funding for Nationwide Brownfields Technical Assistance and Research Grants and Technical Assistance to Brownfields Providers - (Posted On Sunday, November 27, 2022)
- EPA Orders Two Illinois Drinking Water Suppliers to Comply with Requirements of America’s Water Infrastructure Act - (Posted On Friday, November 25, 2022)
- EPA Requests Public Comment on Proposed Cleanup at the Pierson's Creek Superfund Site in Newark, New Jersey - (Posted On Saturday, November 12, 2022)
- Biden-Harris Administration Strengthens Proposal to Cut Methane Pollution to Protect Communities, Combat Climate Change, and Bolster American Innovation - (Posted On Friday, November 11, 2022)