Which federal agency is tasked with environmental protection?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency specifically established to protect human health and the environment by enforcing regulations based on environmental laws passed by Congress. Its mission encompasses a wide range of activities, including regulating air and water quality, managing hazardous waste, and addressing various environmental issues such as climate change and pollution.

The EPA plays a critical role in enforcing the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and other key legislation aimed at maintaining a healthy environment. This agency conducts research, provides grants, and regulates the activities of various industries to ensure compliance with established environmental standards. Its focus is solely on environmental protection, making it the primary institution for addressing issues related to environmental sustainability and public health in the context of ecological concerns.

In contrast, other agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Energy, and the Department of the Interior, have different primary missions that may include environmental aspects but are not solely focused on environmental protection. The Department of Agriculture deals mainly with farming and food policies, the Department of Energy focuses on energy resources and policies, and the Department of the Interior manages federal lands and natural resources, but none is dedicated exclusively to environmental protection in the way the EPA is.