Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA)
Main Purposes
The Environmental Protection Agency works hard to ensure that human health and the environment are protected. We do this by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress. We also give out grants, study environmental issues, teach people about the environment, and publish information.
Our Mission
The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment.
Our History
EPA was established on December 2, 1970 under president Richard Nixon's control. It was created to consolidate in one agency a variety of federal research, monitoring, standard-setting and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection.
Head of Department: Gina McCarthy
Appointed by President Obama in 2009 as Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, Gina McCarthy has been a leading advocate for common-sense strategies to protect public health and the environment. McCarthy attended the University of Massachusetts where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Anthropology and went on to earn a joint Master of Science in Environmental Health Engineering, Planning and Policy from Tufts University. During her career she has worked at state and locale levels on environmental issues.
Website: http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/administrator-gina-mccarthy
Phone: 202-564-4700
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GinaMcCarthyEPA
Twitter: @GinaEPA
Plant a Tree!
Flow Chart of Succession
Environmental Footprint
EPA Budget
The President proposed a budget of $7.89 billion for the EPA for the 2015 fiscal year starting October 1, 2014. This request is $309.9 million below the EPA's enacted level for fiscal year 2014. If approved, the money will go toward providing the support we need to move forward by targeting real progress in priority areas: communities; climate change and air quality;toxics and chemical safety; and clean water.
Currect Issues
Air Pollution
Air pollution is a real problem for the EPA. Toxic air pollutants, are pollutants that are known to damage out ecosystem in many ways. They are also suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects.
Greener Living
Ungreen living is a major issue that we discourage. The EPA is working hard to promote green living everywhere. Whether it be at home, in your community, while shopping, or even at work or school, green living is possible for anyone.