Protecting Human & Environmental Health With Key Regulations

What Is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), established in 1970 under President Richard Nixon, was created to address pollution and broader environmental concerns. It plays a central role in setting and enforcing laws that regulate air and water quality, directly influencing public health and economic policy.

Through initiatives like Energy Star and Safer Choice, the EPA promotes sustainability and encourages cleaner, more responsible business and consumer practices.

Understanding the EPA's Origins and Objectives

Why was the EPA created? It was formed in response to widespread public environmental concerns that gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s. Since its start, the EPA has aimed to protect nature and human health by researching pollutants and setting usage limits.

The EPA sets safe levels for chemicals in food, animal feed, and water. The EPA enforces its findings through fines, sanctions, and other procedures.

During the Trump administration, rules on carbon emissions from power plants and vehicles were rolled back. The EPA's size and influence have decreased, and regulation violations are less prosecuted than in 30 years.

The EPA is headed by an administrator, a cabinet position appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. That position is currently held by Michael Regan, the first Black man to ever hold that position. He is expected to reverse many of the regulatory rollbacks of the Trump administration.

Major EPA Initiatives for Environmental Conservation

The EPA runs programs to boost energy efficiency, environmental care, sustainable growth, and to improve air and water quality. These programs include:

• The EPA Safer Choice program—formerly Design for the Environment—a product-labeling program that allows consumers to select the chemically safest products available, without sacrificing function or quality
• The Energy Star program, which helps consumers choose energy-efficient appliances
• The Smart Growth program, which supports sustainable community development
• WaterSense, which encourages efficiency in water use via high-efficiency toilets, faucets, and irrigation equipment
• The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, which regulates the discharge of pollutants into U.S. waters

The EPA also runs programs to

• Prevent, control, and respond to oil spills
• Control air pollution and forecast air pollution levels
• Foster the manufacturing of more fuel-efficient vehicles

How the EPA Enforces Environmental Laws

To protect communities and the environment, the EPA works to enforce laws such as the Clean Air Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the National Environmental Education Act, and the Clean Water Act, some of which predate the formation of the agency itself.

The EPA is also responsible for the detection and prevention of environmental crimes, monitoring pollution levels, and setting standards for the handling of hazardous chemicals and waste. As part of its strategic plan, when violations occur, the EPA investigates and pursues action against violators.

Environmental offenses are categorized as civil or criminal. Civil offenses arise when environmental violations occur and no consideration is given to whether the offender knew of their transgression. Criminal offenses, which comprise most of what the EPA investigates, arise when a violation occurs and the offender knew that their action caused it. Because of the severity of charges and punishment, criminal convictions require proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Violators can be held civilly and/or criminally responsible, with punishments for civil offenses ranging from monetary fines to repairing environmental damage and punishments for criminal offenses ranging from monetary relief to imprisonment.

For civil violations, the EPA may enforce actions by issuing orders or seeking court rulings. Criminal violations are enforced by the EPA or the governing state, with punishments imposed by a judge.

Defining the Limits of EPA's Authority

The EPA’s name can cause confusion about its role. It doesn’t address every environmental concern. The agency advises contacting local, state, or federal agencies for more information.

For example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for the Endangered Species Act, while local and state wildlife officers are responsible for concerns about foxes, birds, rabbits, and other animals. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the agency that determines and issues permits for wetland areas. Food safety is the responsibility of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while issues about nuclear waste are handled by the Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management.

Addressing Criticisms: Challenges Faced by EPA Regulations

Not everyone supports the EPA. Some critics argue that the EPA's environmental regulations are too expensive and offer little benefits. Others claim that the EPA stifles the economy, contributes to unemployment rates, and adversely affects international trade.

These opponents believe that the associated costs for companies to remain in compliance with environmental laws and standards erode profits and cause widespread layoffs, contributing to unemployment. These absorbent costs also prevent companies from being competitive globally. They suggest that the costs are inflated and that those earmarked funds could be used for more productive ways to advance the economy and trade.

Some proponents for environmental regulation disfavor the EPA for not acting swiftly on matters that concern the environment. For example, in 2020, Congress and environmentalists criticized the EPA for moving slowly on limiting the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances—toxic chemicals found to cause cancer, infertility, and other diseases. Research shows that these toxins are contaminating the nation's drinking water and have been found in lifesaving equipment and household items. These critics claim that, in light of the research, the EPA is not doing enough or moving fast enough to protect public health.

The EPA responded with action plans to address how communities monitor and address PFAS contamination. However, critics argue that their plan lacks action and, as a result, is detrimental to the environment and the nation's citizens.

The Bottom Line

Established in 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protects human health and the environment through law enforcement, monitoring, and support programs.

Initiatives like Energy Star and WaterSense promote energy efficiency and pollution prevention. While other agencies oversee areas like wildlife and wetlands, the EPA focuses on pollution control and chemical safety. Despite criticism over regulatory costs, it remains essential to ensure a cleaner, safer future.