An agency of the federal government, the United States Environment Protection Agency is tasked with protecting human health by safeguarding the environment and by enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress.
Led by EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, the agency monitors activities that have the potential to negatively impact air, water and land quality, such as fuel consumption by cars and trucks, energy use in appliances and electronics, and greenhouse gas emissions.
The EPA is also involved in reducing oil pollution. The Facility Response Plan (FRP) and the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) rules developed by the EPA require oil development facilities to to submit plans on how to respond to worst-case discharges of oil.
After the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig exploded, rupturing an oil well at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, the EPA began collecting data on the quality of air, water and sediment along the Gulf Coast. The EPA has also approved waste management plans outlining how to recover oil and waste generated by the BP oil spill.
In late May, the EPA ordered BP to stop using potentially harmful dispersants use to break up the spilled oil.
EPA in the news
Western Illinois University runs on natural gas now
Western Illinois University has transitioned from coal to natural gas to power its campus.
Quincy woman links water to daughter's illness
City officials, including Mayor John Spring, said that the city water is safe to drink.
Keokuk mayor looking to cash in on Roquette fines
The City of Keokuk hopes to benefit from a penalty from Roquette America.
Jacksonville to build new water treatment plant
Last year the plant took on damages after a massive flash flood on a small creek and lake.
Jacksonville's water treatment plant: Build new or save the old?
Will the city of Jacksonville agree to construct a new water treatment plant?
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