United States Environmental Protection Agency

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United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Official site of the EPA, the U.S. federal agency whose mission is to protect human health and safeguard the natural environment.
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{{Infobox Govt Agency | agency_name = Environmental Protection Agency | nativename = EPA | nativename_a = | nativename_r = | logo = Environmental Protection Agency logo.svg | logo_width = 140px | logo_caption = Environmental Protection Agency logo | seal = | seal_width = | seal_caption = | formed = December 2, [ | date1 = | date1_name = | date2 = | date2_name = | preceding1 = | preceding2 = | dissolved = | superseding = | jurisdiction = | headquarters = | employees = 17,964 (2005) http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/tables/07s0483.xls | budget = $7.3 billion (2007) http://www.epa.gov/ocfo/budget/2007/2007bib.pdf

| chief1_name = [Stephen L. Johnson | chief1_position = [Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency | chief2_name = [Marcus Peacock | chief2_position = Deputy Administrator | parent_agency = | child1_agency = | child2_agency = | website = http://www.epa.gov www.epa.gov | footnotes = -->The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or sometimes USEPA) is an List of United States federal agencies of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and with safeguarding the natural environment: air, water, and land. The EPA began operation on December 2, 1970, when it was established by President Richard Nixon. It is led by its Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, who is appointed by the President of the United States. The EPA is not a United States Cabinet agency, but the Administrator is normally given cabinet rank. The current Administrator (as of 2007) is Stephen L. Johnson, and the current Deputy Administrator is Marcus Peacock. The agency has approximately 18,000 full-time employees.

Overview EPA comprises 17,000 people in headquarters program offices, 10 regional offices, and 27 laboratories across the country. More than half of its staff are engineers, scientists, and environmental protection specialists; other groups include legal, public affairs, financial, and computer specialists.

The agency conducts environmental assessment, research, and education. It has the primary responsibility for setting and enforcing national standards under a variety of environmental laws, in consultation with state, tribal, and local governments. It delegates some permitting, monitoring, and enforcement responsibility to U.S. states and Native American tribes. EPA enforcement powers include fines, sanctions (law), and other measures.

The agency also works with industries and all levels of government in a wide variety of voluntary pollution prevention programs and energy conservation efforts.

History On July 9, 1970, Richard Nixon transmitted Reorganization Plan No. 3 to the United States Congress by executive order, creating the EPA as a single agency from a number of smaller arms of different federal agencies. Prior to the establishment of the EPA, the federal government was not structured to make a coordinated attack on the pollutants which harm human health and degrade the environment. The EPA was assigned the task of repairing the damage already done to the natural environment and to establish new criteria to guide Americans in making a cleaner, safer America.

Programs Energy Star In 1992 the EPA launched the Energy Star program, a voluntary program that fosters energy efficiency; in 2006 EPA launched WaterSense to similarly foster water efficiency. EPA also administers the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (which is much older than the agency) and registers all pesticides legally sold in the United States. It is also responsible for reviewing projects of other federal agencies' Environmental Impact Statements under NEPA.

Fuel economy testing and results American automobile manufacturers are required to use EPA fuel economy test results to advertise the gas mileage of their vehicles, and the manufacturers are disallowed from providing results from alternate sources. The fuel economy is calculated using the emissions data collected during two of the vehicle's Clean Air Act (1970) certification tests, by measuring the total volume of carbon captured from the exhaust during the test. This calculated fuel economy is then adjusted downward by 10% city and 22% highway to compensate for changes in driving conditions since 1972.

The current testing system was developed in 1972, and is a simulation of rush-hour Los Angeles of that era. Prior to 1984, the EPA did not adjust the fuel economy downward, and instead used the exact fuel economy figures calculated from the test. In December 2006, the EPA finalized new test methods to improve fuel economy and emission estimates, which would take effect with model year 2008 vehicles , setting the precedent of a 12 year review cycle on the test procedures.

As of the 2000s, most motor vehicle users report significantly lower real-world fuel economy than the EPA rating; this problem is most evident in hybrid vehicles. This is mainly because of drastic changes in typical driving habits and conditions which have occurred in the decades since the tests were implemented. For example, the average speed of the 1972 "highway" test is a mere 48 mph, with a top speed of 60 mph. It is expected that when the 2008 test methods are implemented, city estimates for non-hybrid cars will drop by 10-20%, city estimates for hybrid cars will drop by 20-30%, and highway estimates for all cars will drop by 5-15%. The new methods include factors such as high speeds, aggressive accelerations, air conditioning use and driving in cold temperatures.

In February 2005, the organization launched a program called " Your MPG" that allows drivers to add real-world fuel economy statistics into a database on the EPA's fuel economy website and compare them with others and the original EPA test results.

Air quality and air pollution The Air Quality Modeling Group (AQMG) is in the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) and provides leadership and direction on the full range of air quality models, air pollution Compilation of atmospheric dispersion models www.crcpress.com www.air-dispersion.com and other mathematical simulation techniques used in assessing pollution control strategies and the impacts of air pollution sources.

The AQMG serves as the focal point on Atmospheric dispersion modeling techniques for other EPA headquarters staff, EPA regional Offices, and State and local environmental agencies. It coordinates with the EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) on the development of new models and techniques, as well as wider issues of atmospheric research. Finally, the AQMG conducts modeling analyses to support the policy and regulatory decisions of the EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS).

The AQMG is located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

Libraries In 2004, the Agency began a strategic planning exercise to develop plans for a more virtual approach to library services. The effort was curtailed in July 2005 when the Agency proposed a $2.5 million cut in its 2007 budget for libraries. Based on the proposed 2007 budget, the EPA posted a notice to the Federal Register, September 20, 2006 that EPA Headquarters Library would close its doors to walk-in patrons and visitors on October 1, 2006. "Notification of Closure of the EPA Headquarters Library" (pdf), September 20, 2006

The EPA has also closed three of its regional libraries and reduced hours in others, Letter to Appropriations Committee, Interior and Related Agencies Subcommittee, June 29, 2006 (pdf), from leaders of 16 local EPA unions using the same FY 2007 proposed budget numbers.

Controversies DDT ban In 1972 the EPA banned DDT because of its "unreasonable adverse effects on man and the environment." EPA Press Release, New DDT Report Confirms Data Supporting 1972 Ban, Finds Situation Improving, August 11, 1975. Studies in the intervening years have demonstrated that while its acute effects on humans and primates are mild at worst, DDT and its degradants have a very heavy impact on aquatic life and the avian populations which feed on them.Environmental Health Criteria #83 "DDT and derivatives: environmental aspects," World Health Organization, 1989.

Mercury emissions In March 2005, nine states, California, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, New Mexico and Vermont, sued the EPA. The EPA's inspector general had determined that the EPA's regulation of mercury (element) emissions did not follow the Clean Air Act, and that the regulations were influenced by top political appointees. Proposed Mercury Rules Bear Industry Mark, Washington Post, January 31, 2004 EPA Inspector Finds Mercury Proposal Tainted, Washington Post, February 4, 2005 The EPA had suppressed a study it commissioned by Harvard University which contradicted its position on mercury controls New EPA Mercury Rule Omits Conflicting Data, Washington Post, March 22, 2005. The suit alleges that the EPA's rule allowing exemption from "maximum available control technology" was illegal, and additionally charged that the EPA's system of pollution credit trading allows power plants to forego reducing mercury emissions. States Sue EPA Over Mercury Emissions, LA Times, March 30, 2005 Several states also began to enact their own mercury emission regulations. In one of the most stringent examples, Illinois' proposed rule would reduce mercury emissions from power plants by an average of 90% by 2009, with no trading allowed. Governor Blagojevich and Illinois EPA Propose Aggressive Mercury Controls For Illinois Power Plants, Environmental Progress, Spring 2006, page 12

9/11 air ratings See EPA 9/11 pollution controversy

Climate change In June 2005, a memo revealed Philip Cooney, former chief of staff for the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and former lobbyist for the American Petroleum Institute, had personally edited documents, summarizing government research on climate change, before their release. U.S. Official Edited Warming, Emission Link - Report, Reuters, June 8, 2005

Cooney resigned two days after the memo was published in The New York Times. Cooney said he had been planning to resign for over two years, implying the timing of his resignation was just a coincidence. Specifically, he said he had planned to resign to "spend time with his family." White House Official Resigns After Climate Documents Flap, Agence France Presse, June 12, 2005 One week after resigning he took a job at Exxon Mobil in their public affairs department. Ex-White House environment official joins Exxon, Reuters, June 15, 2005

Greenhouse gas emissions The Supreme Court of the United States ruled on April 2, 2007 in Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency that the EPA has the authority to regulate the emission of greenhouse gases in automobile emissions, stating that "greenhouse gases fit well within the Clean Air Act capacious definition of air pollutant." The court also stated that the EPA must regulate in this area unless it is able to provide a scientific reason for not doing so. Justices Say E.P.A. Has Power to Act on Harmful Gases, New York Times, April 2, 2007

Fuel economy In July 2005, an EPA report showing that auto companies were using loopholes to produce less fuel-efficient cars was delayed. The report was supposed to be released the day before a controversial energy bill was passed and would have provided backup for those opposed to it, but at the last minute the EPA delayed its release. E.P.A. Holds Back Report on Car Fuel Efficiency, New York Times, July 28, 2005

Very fine airborne particulates Tiny particles, under 2.5 micrometres, are attributed to health and mortality concerns so some health advocates want EPA to regulate it. The science may be in its infancy although many conferences have discussed the trails of this airborne matter in the air. Foreign governments like Australia and most EU states have addressed this issue.

The EPA first established standards in 1997, and strengthened them in 2006. As with other standards, regulation and enforcement of the PM2.5 standards is the responsibility of the state governments, through State Implementation Plans.

Review of air quality standards Since its inception the EPA has begun to rely less and less on its scientists and more on nonscience personnel. EPA has recently changed their policies regarding limits for ground-level ozone, particulates, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and lead. New policies will minimize scientist interaction in this process and rely more on policy makers who have minimal scientific knowledge. This new policy has been criticized by Democrats. News, December 18, 2006, page 15

EPA offices

Office of Administration and Resources Management
Office of Air and Radiation
Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Office of General Counsel
Office of Inspector General
Office of International Affairs
Office of Environmental Information
Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances
Office of Research and Development
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
Office of Water

Each EPA regional office is responsible within its states for implementing the Agency's programs, except those programs that have been specifically delegated to states.

Region 1 - responsible within the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Region 2 - responsible within the states of New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Region 3 - responsible within the states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Region 4 - responsible within the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia (U.S. state), Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Region 5 - responsible within the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Region 6 - responsible within the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Region 7 - responsible within the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
Region 8 - responsible within the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
Region 9 - responsible within the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the territories of Guam and American Samoa.
Region 10 - responsible within the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Each regional office also implements programs on Indian Tribal lands, except those programs delegated to Tribal authorities.

List of EPA administrators {||1970–1973||[William D. Ruckelshaus|-|1977–1981||[Douglas M. Costle|-|1983–1985||William D. Ruckelshaus|-|1985–1989||[Lee M. Thomas|-|1993–2001||[Carol M. Browner|-|2003–2005||[Michael O. Leavitt|}

Related legislation The legislation here is general environmental protection legislation, and may also apply to other units of the government, including the United States Department of the Interior and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Air

1955 - Air Pollution Control Act PL 84-159
1963 - Clean Air Act PL 88-206
1965 - Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Control Act PL 89-272
1966 - Clean Air Act Amendments PL 89-675
1967 - Air Quality Act PL 90-148
1969 - National Environmental Policy Act PL 91-190
1970 - Clean Air Act (1970) PL 91-604
1976 - Toxic Substances Control Act PL 94-469
1977 - Clean Air Act Amendments PL 95-95
1990 - Clean Air Act (1990) PL 101-549

Water

1948 - Water Pollution Control Act PL 80-845
1965 - Water Quality Act PL 89-234
1966 - Clean Waters Restoration Act PL 89-753
1969 - National Environmental Policy Act PL 91-190
1970 - Water Quality Improvement Act PL 91-224
1972 - Water Pollution Control Act PL 92-500
1974 - Safe Drinking Water Act PL 93-523
1976 - Toxic Substances Control Act PL 94-469
1977 - Clean Water Act PL 95-217
1987 - Water Quality Act PL 100-4

Land

1964 - Wilderness Act PL 88-577
1968 - Scenic Rivers Preservation Act PL 90-542
1969 - National Environmental Policy Act PL 91-190
1970 - Wilderness Act PL 91-504
1977 - Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act PL 95-87
1978 - Wilderness Act PL 98-625
1980 - Alaska Land Protection Act PL 96-487
1994 - California Desert Protection Act PL 103-433
1996 - Food Quality Protection Act

Endangered species

1946 - Coordination Act PL 79-732
1966 - Endangered Species Preservation Act PL 89-669
1969 - Endangered Species Conservation Act PL 91-135
1972 - Marine Mammal Protection Act PL 92-522
1973 - Endangered Species Act PL 93-205

Hazardous waste

1965 - Solid Waste Disposal Act PL 89-272
1969 - National Environmental Policy Act PL 91-190
1970 - Resource Recovery Act PL 91-512
1976 - Resource Conservation and Recovery Act PL 94-580
1980 - Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("Superfund") PL 96-510
1982 - Nuclear Waste Repository Act PL 97-425
1984 - Hazardous and Solid Wastes Amendments Act PL 98-616
1986 - Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act PL 99-499
2002 - Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act ("Brownfields Law") PL 107-118