Introduction
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an agency of the U.S. federal government that was established as a response to the debate in American society over environmental protection. However, for effective operation, which has continued for more than 50 years, the agency is governed by fundamental laws and standards that should ensure the protection of the environment and humans (Lawrence 62). It is essential to remark that the EPA is headquartered in Washington, DC, but the agency also has ten regional offices that monitor and protect the environment in the region (Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.). In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency has laboratories that provide a reliable estimate of the state of the environment to respond quickly to negative changes. Moreover, the Environmental Protection Agency is also engaged in educational work to preventively influence the reduction of emissions of pesticides and other harmful substances. Therefore, it is essential to examine the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Reasons and Method of Formation of the Agency
It is significant to mention that the protection of the environment has long been of interest to Americans. This is because discussions about the need for environmental protection began in the 1960s (Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.). The development of such discussions was constantly supported by scientists who made reports on environmental pollution. For example, in 1962, Rachel Carson published a report on the abuse of pesticides in “Silent Spring” (Sobus et al. 411). At the same time, there were concerns in American society about air and water pollution, especially since such trends became popular after several disasters. For example, in California, an offshore oil platform polluted beaches used by humans (Sobus et al. 411). In this way, American society started active discussions about forgetting the planet.
Besides, the authorities responded to the needs of people in the environmental system. Accordingly, at the beginning of 1970, Richard Nixon presented to the Chamber a draft of 37 points (Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.). They were concerned with the protection of the environment and had to solve the problems with the deterioration of air and water quality, municipal water supply, and contamination of the land with impurities. Nixon also created a special body to manage the reduction of environmental pollution. After the Council made recommendations, the President sent Congress a plan to create a federal agency to address environmental protection (Sobus et al. 413). Therefore, the primary purpose of this organization is to investigate and respond to cases of environmental pollution.
Consequently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created, which had many powers. After the agency’s establishment in 1970, its functions were defined: to conduct research, monitor the biological and physical environment, and evaluate the effectiveness of measures taken to restore the environment (Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.). However, the EPA has the authority to establish national standards for acceptable air and water quality (Lawrence 41). Accordingly, the newly created organization began to work effectively.
Conclusion
Therefore, the Environmental Protection Agency was founded by President Nixon as a government agency in 1970. At the same time, American society contributed to the creation of the EPA due to the discussions that arose because of the pollution of the reservoir. It is important to note that the formation of the agency immediately began with the granting of broad powers that immediately affected the effectiveness of the Environmental Protection Agency. Thus, the EPA has become an effective mechanism for combating many types of environmental pollution.
Works Cited
Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). The Origins of EPA. Web.
Keith, Lawrence. Environmental Sampling and Analysis: A Practical Guide. Routledge, 2017.
Sobus, Jon R., et al. “Integrating Tools for Non-Targeted Analysis Research and Chemical Safety Evaluations at the US EPA.” Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, vol. 28, no. 5, 2018, pp. 411-426.