Final answer:
The Clean Water Act of 1972 aimed to improve water quality in the U.S. by prohibiting the dumping of pollution without a permit and setting water quality standards, backed by the regulatory authority of the EPA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is the Clean Water Act of 1972, which is a pivotal environmental law in the United States. Often referred to as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, it was established to maintain and restore water quality, making waters swimmable and fishable. The act prohibited dumping pollution into surface waters without formal permission. The creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970, alongside the Clean Water Act and other legislation such as the Clean Air Act, has led to significant improvements in air and water quality across the nation.
Moreover, the Clean Water Act set water quality standards and implemented a permit system for discharging waste, also known as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This system was a core feature in the fight against water pollution, leading to a healthier environment. The EPA, with the authority granted to it, continues to oversee and enforce these regulations, contributing to America's cleaner water. However, the effectiveness of such command-and-control regulations has been a topic of debate among economists who point out the complexities and challenges they present.