Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Dec 5

Written By Jonathan Milner

Definition

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an agency within the Department of the Interior. The mission of the EPA is to protect human health and the environment. Delivering equity through EPA. EPA has committed to making equity, environmental justice, and civil rights a centerpiece of the agency's mission. EPA was created on December 2, 1970, by President Richard Nixon to protect human health and the environment by developing and enforcing regulations. The United States Environmental Protection Agency employees 17,202 workers and is headed by Michael S. Regan. President-elect Donald Trump has tapped former New York congressman Lee Zeldin to run the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The nomination for EPA administrator will need confirmation from the Senate, where Republicans are poised to hold a majority of seats next term.The EPA implements environmental laws by creating regulations that set specific requirements for what is legal and what isn't. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protects human health and the environment by:

Conducting research: The EPA sponsors and conducts research to support its mission.
Providing technical assistance: The EPA provides technical assistance for recovery planning and long-term cleanup.
Enforcing laws: The EPA enforces federal laws that protect human health and the environment.
Setting standards: The EPA sets national standards that states and tribes enforce.
Reviewing chemicals: The EPA reviews chemicals in the marketplace for safety.
Working on environmental justice: The EPA's environmental justice (EJ) mandate extends to all of its work, including setting standards, permitting facilities, and reviewing proposed actions by federal agencies.
Working internationally: The EPA works with Europe to address environmental impacts of joint concern.
Providing opportunities to comment on regulations: The EPA provides opportunities to comment on regulations before they are finalized. You can comment on regulations through:

I asked AI to write a sonnet about the EPA. It wasn’t too bad. Here’s what they came up with:

In halls of science, where reason finds its voice,
The EPA, a guardian of our land,
With watchful eye and dedicated choice,
Protects the air, the water, and the sand.

From toxic waste to emissions' blight,
They set the standards, firm and just and true,
Ensuring that our future burns more bright,
A legacy of health for me and you.

Though challenges arise, their purpose stands,
A shield against the perils we create,
For forests lush, for oceans' fertile strands,
A pledge to nurture and to regulate.

So let us praise their tireless endeavor,
The EPA, our planet's champion forever..

Example

Questions

What is the Environmental Protection Agency?
What is the mission of the EPA?
Who is the current head of the EPA?
What are three things the EPA does to achieve its mission?
Who must approve nominees to head the EPA?
What is the relationship between the Department of Education and the legislative branch?
Do you think the EPA should be abolished?
What emoji would do a good job of expressing the concept of the EPA?
How does federalism impact environmental policy in the U.S.?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw EPA! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

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