US Environmental Protection Agency

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent agency of the United States federal government, headquartered in Washington, D.C. and led by an Administrator appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. It was established in 1970 to consolidate federal environmental responsibilities. The EPA develops and enforces regulations under statutes such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and laws governing chemicals and waste. Its activities include setting air- and water-quality standards, reviewing pesticides and industrial chemicals, overseeing cleanup of contaminated sites, and conducting environmental research. It works alongside state and tribal agencies that administer many programs under delegated authority. Its rulemaking is bounded by the statutes Congress enacts and is subject to judicial review.