Final answer:
The EPA is an agency of the U.S. federal government established to protect human health and the environment by enforcing regulations. It oversees programs that preserve air, water, and soil quality, including ensuring safe drinking water and managing radioactive waste. The EPA has accomplished significant environmental improvements through various programs and enforces laws like the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA stands for the Environmental Protection Agency. It is a federal agency created in 1970, primarily responsible for the protection of human health and the environment through the enforcement of regulations based on laws passed by Congress.
Roles and Responsibilities
The EPA conducts environmental assessment, research, education, and enforces national standards under environmental laws, in consultation with state, tribal, and local governments. Its powers include issuing fines and sanctions to ensure compliance. Additionally, the EPA works with various entities in voluntary pollution prevention and energy conservation programs.
Natural Resources Protection
The EPA seeks to protect air, water, and soil quality in the U.S.
Accomplishments of the EPA
Launching the Energy Star program for energy efficiency.
Ensuring safe drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Managing radioactive waste and emergency response programs for radiation protection.
Enforcing regulations that have resulted in cleaner air and water through the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.
Pollution and Pollutants
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Major causes of pollution include industrial activities, vehicle emissions, waste disposal, and sometimes agricultural activities. An example of natural pollution could be a volcanic eruption, which releases ash and harmful gases into the atmosphere. Pollutants, therefore, are substances or energies introduced into the environment that have undesired effects or harm human health and the environment.