Final answer:
The government department charged with monitoring and protecting the environment in Canada is Environment Canada, while in the United States, it is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The correct answer is option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The government department responsible for monitoring and protecting the environment is Environment Canada for Canadian affairs and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States. Environment Canada, akin to the EPA, works to preserve and enhance the quality of the natural environment, including water, air, and soil. The correct answer to the student's question is C) Environment Canada if the context is within Canada or E) the EPA if the question pertains to U.S. federal agencies.
The Environmental Protection Agency, founded in 1970, conducts research, promotes education about environmental issues, enforces federal environmental standards, and works with industries and all levels of government on pollution prevention programs and energy conservation efforts. The EPA has various responsibilities, including maintaining and enforcing national standards under a multitude of environmental laws in consultation with state, tribal, and local governments. Their enforcement powers extend to issuing fines, sanctions, and implementing other measures to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
While the EPA is the agency charged with these tasks in the United States, it's important to note that different countries have their own equivalent organizations. High-income countries tend to have more stringent environmental standards, which are enforced by such agencies, to protect the planet's resources and the health of its populations.