Final answer:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a federal agency that conducts research, education, and enforcement regarding environmental protection. The EPA is influential in setting and enforcing environmental regulations and is committed to protecting human health and the environment. Its programs and collaborations have contributed to improvements in air and water quality in the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a federal agency created in 1970 that conducts research, education, and enforcement regarding environmental protection. The EPA is responsible for enforcing federal standards to protect human health and the environment, and it oversees programs related to air quality, water quality, and soil quality in the United States.
The EPA is considered the most influential regulatory agency that deals with environmental issues because of its significant role in setting and enforcing environmental regulations based on laws passed by Congress. It has the authority to enforce fines, sanctions, and other measures against violators of these regulations. Additionally, the EPA collaborates with other government agencies, industries, and communities to promote pollution prevention programs and energy conservation efforts.
Some of the EPA's notable programs include Energy Star, which promotes energy efficiency, and its involvement in maintaining and enforcing national standards under various environmental laws. The EPA's commitment to protecting human health and the environment has contributed to significant improvements in air and water quality in the United States.