EPA’s strategy for achieving its goal of improving air quality appears clear and reasonable. Safe Water for Drinking and Recreation

EPA reported that it is making strides in achieving its goal of safe and clean drinking water. Unsafe Pesticide Residues in Food Supplies

EPA reported making progress in ensuring that food is free from unsafe pesticide residues, especially where children are concerned. Comparison of EPA’s Fiscal Year 2000 Performance Report and Fiscal Year 2002 Performance Plan With the Prior Year Report and Plan for Selected Key Outcomes

For the selected key outcomes, this section describes major improvements or remaining weaknesses in EPA’s (1) fiscal year 2000 performance report in comparison with its fiscal year 1999 report, and (2) fiscal year 2002 performance plan in comparison with its fiscal year 2001 plan. In our report on EPA’s fiscal year 2001 performance plan, we concluded that the plan fell short on providing specifics on crosscutting goals and measures. EPA’s performance report discusses the agency’s progress in resolving all of these challenges.
Why GAO Did This Study

This report reviews the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) fiscal year 2000 performance report and fiscal year 2002 performance plan required by the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) to assess the agency's progress in achieving selected key outcomes that are important to EPA's mission.

What GAO Found

EPA reported reasonable progress in achieving its key outcomes. Specifically, EPA reported (1) attaining air quality standards in more areas of the country and reducing emissions of toxic pollutants, (2) making strides in achieving its goal of safe and clean drinking water, (3) making progress in cleaning up hazardous waste sites, and (4) making progress in ensuring that food is free from unsafe pesticide residues. Although EPA made several improvements to its fiscal year 2000 performance report, it still falls short in providing information on crosscutting goals and measures. EPA's 2002 performance plan's goals and performance measures address some, but not all, major management challenges.