Environmental Issues

There are various agencies which are set all over the world to check in to national pollution by formulating control standards. The agency which is involved with issues pertaining pollution in United States is the Environmental Protection Agency. This agency was introduced to check in to the loopholes of the environmental laws. Richard Nixon was the one oversaw the establishment of this agency in 1970 (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2010). The agency began its work immediately after establishment. Some of the activities performed by this agency immediately after formation include DDT usage ban and lead removal from fuels. These were achieved in 1972 and 1973 respectively. Other activities include increasing fuel efficiency and setting health standards. The health standards passed by the agency touched on drinking water which is essential for life. In 1975 this agency introduced regulation of fuel efficiency. The Agency was mandated at reducing air pollution in United States atmospheres. Reduction of air pollution was effected between 1970 and 1990. Standards concerned with pollution improved after the establishment of this agency. Amongst the areas which recorded significant changes are waste disposal and water quality. Through superfund, Environmental Protection Agency organizes for clean up exercises on waste sites.  This agency is independent since it is not regulated by the federal (IESC, 2010).

This agency was formed by bringing together various environmental regulating activities which were formed by earlier existing agencies. The single agency had to partake various functions which were effected through various departments. The departments involved include that of, Agriculture, Interior, Education and welfare and the department concerned with health. This agency is concerned with safety of Americans by eliminating health hazards. This agency has stimulated various goals. Some of the goals include pollution reduction, prevention of pollution, clean water and air, reduction of environmental risks, waste site restoration, management of water amongst other activities touching on pollution. Other goals include safe food and control of international pollution (The Baltimore Sun, 2010). This agency also participates in enlightening the public on pollution and its consequences. Some of these goals address the environment which is immediate to the people. Clean water and air, pollution prevention, risks reduction and safe touch on the immediate environment. Other goals are educative goals mandated at reducing environmental risks. These goals include law compliance, reduction of international pollution, water management, pollution deterrents and other goals which are directed on environmental risks.  There are principles which are adopted by this agency.

To aid in establishment of priorities and management, Environment Protection Agency adopts several principles. The laid guidelines help in pollution prevention, reduction of environment risks, focusing on health of children, maximization of public participation and working in partnership with Indian tribes.  It is the mandate of this agency to provide educational programs to the public. This agency also participates in enforcement of some state laws touching on environment protection. Some of these laws include Cosmetic Act, Water Act, Clean Air Act, Pollution Prevention Act, Endangered Species Act and the Federal Insecticide Act. It is also involved in enforcing laws concerned with toxic substances and pollution (EPA Victoria, 2010).  Environmental Protection Agency has witnessed a lot of success since it was established.

The standards formulated by this agency on air quality have been implemented in several parts in the large cities, decline of lead in children, reduction in emissions. Swimming and fishing can be carried out in the waterways safely. Standards of disposal of waste water have been implemented in many industries.  Dumping in ocean has ceased due to the standards laid down by this agency (Mesothelioma.com, 2010). Research has been carried out to identify safe pesticides. Reduction of toxic substances has been possible through the standards formulated.

Pollution has reduced substantially with standards laid down by this agency. It is possible to swim and fish safely in the Americans rivers. Citizens enjoy clean air in the urban which used to be a pollution zone because of emissions from industries. Dumping has been reduced due to recycling of industrial products and households. Recycling is very essential to industrial products since it eliminates unnecessary dumping which may be health hazard. Production of toxic chemicals has also reduced substantially. Despite of the efforts made by this agency, some problems persists (The New York Times, 2010). Other problems develop from the laid guidelines. Some of these problems include loss of water catchments, climate change due to global warming. These problems have developed as result of human activities such as settlements.

Human health and the ecosystem are the two parameters which defines the roles of Environment Protection Agency. Barren lakes have been witnessed over the recent past due to acidic rains which occur as a result of introduction of toxic substances in the atmosphere. This has caused various effects to humans including morbidity and mortality. Other impacts include ecosystem alteration which affects the species in the ecosystem including humans (CalEPA, 2010).

In conclusion, Environmental protection Agency was established in 1970 to help eliminate environmental risks introduced by humans. This was achieved by formulating standards and enforcement of environmental laws. Some of the environmental laws enforced by this agency include Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act.