Ask a Librarian. Recommended resources for scholars engaging with environmental research. Help on seeking government information at the state, county and city level. Department of Health and Human Services. ATSDR serves the public by using the best science, taking responsive public health actions, and providing trusted health information to prevent harmful exposures and diseases related to toxic substances.
Department of Energy DOE. National Weather Service NOAA Provides weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy. State Government Agencies Selected state agencies.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Michigan Department of Public Health. Health and Environmental Agencies of U. States andTerritories. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights.
Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. It is an agency of the United States federal government whose mission is to protect human and environmental health. Headquartered in Washington, D. Why was the EPA created? It was formed in response to widespread public environmental concerns that gained momentum in the s and s. The EPA regulates the manufacturing , processing, distribution , and use of chemicals and other pollutants.
Also, the EPA is charged with determining safe tolerance levels for chemicals and other pollutants in food, animal feed, and water. The EPA enforces its findings through fines, sanctions , and other procedures. That position is currently held by Michael Regan , the first Black man to ever hold that position. He is expected to reverse many of the regulatory rollbacks of the Trump administration.
The EPA oversees several programs intended to promote energy efficiency, environmental stewardship, sustainable growth, air and water quality, and pollution prevention. These programs include:. The EPA also runs programs to. The EPA is also responsible for the detection and prevention of environmental crimes, monitoring pollution levels, and setting standards for the handling of hazardous chemicals and waste.
As part of its strategic plan, when violations occur, the EPA investigates and pursues action against violators. Environmental offenses are categorized as civil or criminal. Civil offenses arise when environmental violations occur and no consideration is given to whether the offender knew of their transgression.
Because of the severity of charges and punishment, criminal convictions require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The largest civil penalty assessed for violating environmental law. For civil violations, the EPA may enforce actions by issuing orders or seeking court rulings.
Criminal violations are enforced by the EPA or the governing state, with punishments imposed by a judge. The agency suggests contacting local, state, or other federal agencies to find out who is responsible. For example, the U. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for the Endangered Species Act, while local and state wildlife officers are responsible for concerns about foxes, birds, rabbits, and other animals.
The U. Army Corps of Engineers is the agency that determines and issues permits for wetland areas. Not everyone supports the EPA. Some critics argue that the EPA's environmental regulations are too expensive and offer little benefits.
Others claim that the EPA stifles the economy, contributes to unemployment rates, and adversely affects international trade. These opponents believe that the associated costs for companies to remain in compliance with environmental laws and standards erode profits and cause widespread layoffs, contributing to unemployment.
These absorbent costs also prevent companies from being competitive globally. They suggest that the costs are inflated and that those earmarked funds could be used for more productive ways to advance the economy and trade. Some proponents for environmental regulation disfavor the EPA for not acting swiftly on matters that concern the environment. For example, in , Congress and environmentalists criticized the EPA for moving slowly on limiting the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl PFAS substances—toxic chemicals found to cause cancer, infertility, and other diseases.
These critics claim that, in light of the research, the EPA is not doing enough or moving fast enough to protect public health. However, critics argue that their plan lacks action and, as a result, is detrimental to the environment and the nation's citizens.
The Environmental Protection Agency EPA creates and enforces laws designed to protect the environment and human health. As part of their mission, they seek to ensure that Americans have a clean environment, including the air, water, and land they use and enjoy. In addition to creating and enforcing environmental laws, they provide education and guidance on protecting the environment, conduct research and development, issue grants to state programs, schools, and other non-profit organizations to further their mission, and more.
You can contact the EPA online, by phone, or in writing. How to contact them depends on the nature of your concern or question. For more information, visit their website, epa. EPA violations consist of intentional and nonintentional violations of environmental laws. Common examples include illegal disposal of hazardous chemicals or products, illegal discharge of pollutants in bodies of water in the U.
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