Environmental Protection Agency
EPA
The U.S. federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing pollution standards for air, water, and soil, and for regulating hazardous chemicals.
Related terms
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The U.S. federal public health agency that tracks disease and is the body that officially evaluates and designates cancer clusters. National Ambient Air Quality Standards Federal standards set by the EPA that establish the maximum allowable levels of six common air pollutants (the criteria pollutants) considered harmful to public health and the environment. Superfund Site A site in the U.S. so contaminated with hazardous substances that it is placed on the EPA's National Priorities List for long-term federal cleanup. EJScreen The EPA's Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool. It overlays environmental burdens (Superfund proximity, traffic, toxic discharges) with demographic vulnerabilities to identify disadvantaged communities.