Final answer:
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970, focusing on protecting human health and the environment. The EPA enforces environmental laws and balances economic impacts with the need to reduce pollution and regulate various hazards. It administers programs such as Energy Star and sets standards related to air and water quality, among others.
Step-by-step explanation:
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970 with the primary mission of protecting human health and the environment. The EPA enforces regulations based on laws passed by Congress, and it has various programs to ensure environmental and public health, covering areas such as safe drinking water, air and water quality, and radiation protection. The EPA was formed after President Richard Nixon signed an executive order, and the creation was ratified through hearings in both the House and Senate. Throughout its history, the EPA has faced challenges balancing environmental protections with economic concerns from businesses and industries impacted by environmental regulations.
One of the key goals of the EPA includes maintaining and enforcing national standards under environmental laws, in collaboration with state, tribal, and local governments. Command-and-control regulation, such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, has contributed substantially to the reduction of pollution in the United States. Additionally, the EPA oversees a number of important programs like Energy Star to foster energy efficiency, and is responsible for setting standards and carrying out regulations to protect the public from environmental hazards.