The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - As the US became more aware of pollutants and their effect on public health and the environment the government consolidated many disparate programs to establish the EPA. The EPA was formed in 1970 to focus the government efforts on better protecting human health by improving the environment life depends on.

The EPA manages the processes that provide better air quality, water purification and land protection through legislation, policy enforcement and establishing voluntary partnerships. Furthermore the EPA manages federal funding for environmental education and innovation.

The EPA writes legislation and enforces laws approved by congress regulate individuals, organizations and state or local governments. From regulating emissions to cleaning up urban neighborhoods the EPA is tasked with creating and enforces environmentally safe policies.

Some of the most widely known EPA Bills -

• The Superfund law was passed to fund the identification and cleanup abandoned waste sites and their surrounding communities.
• The Clean Air Act was put in to place for the EPA to set and enforce standards harmful emissions, as well as partner with companies to explore new solutions to reduce harmful emissions further.
• Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) establishes reporting standard for government and companies to report on hazardous and toxic chemicals.

The EPA provides Environmental Education Services via web based tools and educator outreach. Specific areas of focus are Water, Air, Climate, Wastes, Green Living and Human Health.

The EPA develops Voluntary Partnerships with non-profit organization and companies to establish processes and encourage eco-friendly practices.

The EPA manages Federal Grants to fund scientific research, innovation and clean-up.