Environmental protection refers to the policies and practices implemented to protect the environment, whether it be the air, water, or land. Many governments have laws in place to regulate the use of chemicals and other materials that could negatively impact the environment. These laws typically require companies to make sure their operations do not cause pollution, and they often include penalties for those that do not comply.
EPA works with communities to promote sustainable and livable neighborhoods through contract- and grant-based programs that encourage development strategies that support improved environmental, public health, and economic outcomes. In addition, EPA encourages smart growth, emergency preparedness and recovery planning, and the reuse of contaminated sites and property.
A number of toxins and pollutants have been banned over the years because they are detrimental to our health, including certain air pollutants (like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide), some heavy metals like lead and mercury, and the pesticide DDT. However, there are still other chemicals that are in the environment and have unintended consequences. These are called persistent chemicals, and they can have negative impacts on wildlife and humans for decades.
EPA continues to work with states and tribes to ensure the integrity of water resources and achieve national environmental and public health objectives. For example, EPA is continuing to implement cost-effective multi-state regional programs that decrease emissions of the pollutants that contribute to nonattainment of air quality standards in downwind areas, such as the Chesapeake Bay, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico regions.
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