Through extensive research and deep contemplation I have decided to report about a renowned organization known as the Environmental Protection Agency. Also known as EPA for short, this is an organization of complexity thus would require for an in depth writing. In the process of trying to execute a profound research report, I only discovered that to do such would require a year and a day worth of time; however, with the given abundant resources, I came to the realization that there were aspects of this organization that needs to be brought to attention, discussed and made accessible to everyone. This report should enable you to be more understanding of the EPA and its mission, who they are and what they do. In addition, one will be able to assess how and where it began. Finally, we will list some of EPA's accomplishments and discuss why some of them are important for the well-being of the environment.
As stated on the official Environmental Protection Agency website, EPA is an organized agency whose mission is "to protect human health and the environment {1}". Employing well over 18,000 people across the country, the agency has its main headquarters in Washington D.C. To ensure that all U.S. regions are safeguarded, the organization has established 10 regional offices and more than a dozen labs across the US; all of which are located in different places. Altogether these various establishments are known by many as one agency that has been working and striving for a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for the American people.
The recognition of an autonomous regulatory body dates back to more than three decades ago. This was due to the growing public demand for safer water, air and land prompted by numerous scandals, such as the 1969 Cuyahoga River. Since the government was not exactly constructed to counter attack pollutants and ensure environmental stability, numerous debates and reform proposals were presented, yet they were not agreed upon. According to the wikipedia website, a man by the name of Roy Ash had been working with President Nixon on a possible program that would be suitable to the needs of addressing the posed issues {2}. In July 1970, subsequent to his consultation with Ash, the President proposed to congress the establishment of an institution that would oversee the enforcement of environmental policy; however, it was not until December 2, 1970 when President Nixon and congress witnessed the establishment of this agency. The executive and legislative branches presented the EPA as a vital institution with the following core intentions:
" The establishment and enforcement of environmental protection standards consistent with national environmental goals.
" The conduct of research on the adverse effects of pollution and on methods and equipment for controlling it; the gathering of information on pollution; and the use of this information in strengthening environmental protection programs and recommending policy changes.
" Assisting others, through grants, technical assistance and other means, in arresting pollution of the environment.
" Assisting the Council on Environmental Quality in developing and recommending to the President new policies for the protection of the environment {3}.
Based on numerous compelling reasons, including the preceding ones, the Environmental Protection Agency was created to emphasize the importance of protecting water, air and land environment through the creation and enactment of regulatory laws.
For over 35 years, the EPA remains an important agency and has had numerous positive impacts in repairing the damage already done to the natural environment and in establishing new criteria to guide Americans in making a cleaner environment a reality. Laws and regulation which have been passed by the congress to regulate the public impacts on the environment, has either been directly or indirectly influenced by the studies conducted by the EPA. The following is a listing of laws that have been enacted by congress:
" 1970 National Environmental Policy Act
" 1971 Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act
" 1972 Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act
" 1973 Endangered Species Act
" 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act
" 1980 Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act
" 1982 Nuclear Waste Policy Act
" 1986 Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act
" 1988 Lead Contamination Control Act
" 1990 National Environmental Education Act
" 1996 Food Quality Protection Act
" 2002 Small Business Liability Relief and Brownsfields Revitalization Act
Today EPA remains an important influence in the lives of American citizens. Studies conducted now set regulations on vehicle emission standards, water purification, and designated dump sites for hazardous material. These actions are concluded upon based with the safety of the public at large. Americans are practically spoiled in the fact that they can rely upon drinking safe water from the tap and being alerted of any impacts that the EPA wishes to notify the public. The acts that have been enacted into laws by the congress have had a lot of positive impacts on the environment as well as those whom inhabit the area. The following assessment of each law have been presented by
" "The Endangered Species Act of 1973 or ESA was the most wide-ranging of dozens of United States environmental laws passed in the 1970s in an attempt to halt or reverse the degradation of the environment. The act is designed to protect critically imperiled species from extinction due to "the consequences of economic growth and development untempered by adequate concern and conservation.
" The Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act was signed into law by President George W. Bush on January 11, 2002& providing funds to assess and clean up brownfields, clarified CERCLA liability protections, and provided funds to enhance state and tribal response programs. Other related laws and regulations impact brownfields cleanup and reuse through financial incentives and regulatory requirements {4}".
The two acts mentioned, with their detailed assessment, have been of great impact to the survival of the environment as well as to the inhabitants. The EPA, through its various and extensive programs, studies and its great influence on congress, will be of a greater importance in the near future in regulating the use of our environment. It will remain a vital regulatory agency for as long as the public is made aware of its usefulness and its fundings secured. Working towards a cleaner environment, the EPA has established its strategic plan that will guide its activities
and ensure that it will always be an organization that promotes the public awareness and involvement. According to a book written by Joel Mintz, the EPA's five goals are "Clean Air and Global Climate Change, Clean and Safe Water, Land Preservation and Restoration, Healthy Communities and Ecosystems, and Compliance and Environmental Stewardship {5}".
In the course of my research, reading and numerous findings I was made aware of the many aspects of the Environmental Protection Agency that constitutes to the whole organization of over 18,000 workers, 10 regional offices, numerous laboratory locations and a headquarter. In the light of the environmentalist movement and due to catastrophic events all across America, our 37th President Nixon realized the need for an autonomous regulatory agency. Later in 1970, the EPA was established and to date it has become a vital guardian of our environment and the defense for the citizens of America on guaranteeing their rights to clean water, land and air. The public has seen the numerous legislative laws that have been enacted are now being implemented across the US. In over 30 years EPA has passed over 10 very important laws that have been proven to be accommodating to our needs and still is environmentally friendly. In its effort, the EPA will continue to establish and enforce of environmental protection standards consistent with national environmental goals. Imperative to its survival the public needs to understand how important the EPA is and there needs to be more money for the funding of this agency of the government.
I am convinced that the Environmental Protection Agency will become a greater agency that it is today. As more and more citizens are made to become aware of its effectiveness, they will grow to be more implicated to support and cooperate with the goals and activities of the EPA. The establishments of independent agencies throughout the world modeled after the EPA are indications of the high regards to such an important body. As we envision and sail into the years ahead of us, in a world whose needs solely rely on the environment, we would require becoming more active and stressing the importance on our environment. In all of my research and discoveries, I have come to the conclusion that the Environmental Protection Agency will be our guide as we set sail into the future.

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