how the epa enforces laws
to protect communities and the environment the epa works to enforce laws such as the clean air act the safe drinking water act the national environmental education act and the clean water act some of which predate the formation of the agency itself the epa is also responsible for the detection and prevention of environmental crimes monitoring pollution levels and setting standards for the handling of hazardous chemicals and waste as part of its strategic plan when violations occur the epa investigates and pursues action against violators environmental offenses are categorized as civil or criminal civil offenses arise when environmental violations occur and no consideration is given to whether the offender knew of their transgression criminal offenses which comprise most of what the epa investigates arise when a violation occurs and the offender knew that their action caused it because of the severity of charges and punishment criminal convictions require proof beyond a reasonable doubt violators can be held civilly and or criminally responsible with punishments for civil offenses ranging from monetary fines to repairing environmental damage and punishments for criminal offenses ranging from monetary relief to imprisonment the largest civil penalty assessed for violating environmental law for civil violations the epa may enforce actions by issuing orders or seeking court rulings criminal violations are enforced by the epa or the governing state with punishments imposed by a judge examples of what the epa doesn t dobecause of its name there tends to be some confusion about what the epa does and doesn t do it doesn t handle every issue or concern that affects the environment the agency suggests contacting local state or other federal agencies to find out who is responsible for example the u s fish and wildlife service is responsible for the endangered species act while local and state wildlife officers are responsible for concerns about foxes birds rabbits and other animals the u s army corps of engineers is the agency that determines and issues permits for wetland areas food safety is the responsibility of the food and drug administration fda while issues about nuclear waste are handled by the department of energy s office of environmental management criticism of the epanot everyone supports the epa some critics argue that the epa s environmental regulations are too expensive and offer little benefits others claim that the epa stifles the economy contributes to unemployment rates and adversely affects international trade these opponents believe that the associated costs for companies to remain in compliance with environmental laws and standards erode profits and cause widespread layoffs contributing to unemployment these absorbent costs also prevent companies from being competitive globally they suggest that the costs are inflated and that those earmarked funds could be used for more productive ways to advance the economy and trade some proponents for environmental regulation disfavor the epa for not acting swiftly on matters that concern the environment for example in 2020 congress and environmentalists criticized the epa for moving slowly on limiting the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl pfas substances toxic chemicals found to cause cancer infertility and other diseases research shows that these toxins are contaminating the nation s drinking water and have been found in lifesaving equipment and household items these critics claim that in light of the research the epa is not doing enough or moving fast enough to protect public health the epa responded with action plans to address how communities monitor and address pfas contamination however critics argue that their plan lacks action and as a result is detrimental to the environment and the nation s citizens environmental protection agency epa faqsestablished by president nixon in december 1970 the epa a u s federal agency designed to protect human and environmental health was created in response to heightened concerns about pollution and its negative externalities the environmental protection agency epa creates and enforces laws designed to protect the environment and human health as part of their mission they seek to ensure that americans have a clean environment including the air water and land they use and enjoy in addition to creating and enforcing environmental laws they provide education and guidance on protecting the environment conduct research and development issue grants to state programs schools and other non profit organizations to further their mission and more you can contact the epa online by phone or in writing how to contact them depends on the nature of your concern or question for more information visit their website epa gov epa violations consist of intentional and nonintentional violations of environmental laws common examples include illegal disposal of hazardous chemicals or products illegal discharge of pollutants in bodies of water in the u s and tampering with water supplies the bottom linethe environmental protection agency epa is a federal government agency created by the nixon administration to protect human health and the environment the epa creates and enforces environmental laws inspects the environment and provides technical support to minimize threats and support recovery planning it consists of different programs such as the energy star program the smart growth program and water sense that promote energy efficiency environmental care and pollution prevention not all concerns with the environment are handled by the epa however for example protecting endangered species falls under the jurisdiction of the u s fish and wildlife service and protecting our nation s wetlands is under the authority of the u s army corps of engineers critics argue that the epa imposes unnecessary and large costs on corporations and strains the economy and international trade however the agency stands firms on its mission to create a better tomorrow for future generations by promoting a cleaner and safer environment and protecting human health 