Final answer:
The Environmental Protection Agency administers and enforces the Environmental Protection Act, ensuring compliance with environmental standards through assessments, research, penalties, and education.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ministry that administers and enforces the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) is the Environmental Protection Agency. This agency was established by the U.S. federal government in 1970 with a directive to protect human health and the environment. It was founded under the governance of President Richard Nixon and has since been enforcing regulations based on laws enacted by Congress. The EPA operates under the leadership of an administrator, who is appointed by the president and confirmed by Congress. Over the years, the agency has been significant in the enforcement of federal standards that safeguard the air, water, and soil across the United States. Among its initiatives is the Energy Star program, aimed at promoting energy efficiency.
The EPA carries out its mission through environmental assessments, research, education, and by maintaining national standards. Operating from its headquarters in Washington, D.C., and through regional offices and laboratories across the nation, it collaborates with various levels of government and industries. The agency is granted powers to enforce environmental laws using penalties, sanctions, and other methods to ensure compliance with the set environmental standards. Thus, its role is crucial in the continual efforts to prevent pollution before it occurs and to shift practices towards sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives.