What is the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in safeguarding human health and the environment. Its primary mission is to enforce regulations that ensure clean air, water, and land, thereby minimizing pollution and protecting ecosystems. The agency develops and enforces regulations based on laws passed by Congress, which aim to control environmental hazards and promote sustainable practices.

This role encompasses a wide range of activities, including setting and enforcing national standards for air and water quality, overseeing waste management practices, and implementing policies for the management of hazardous substances. By focusing on regulatory enforcement, the EPA helps to mitigate risks to public health associated with environmental contamination and promotes practices that enhance environmental conservation.

The other options, while they may involve other government agencies or initiatives, do not reflect the core mission of the EPA. Regulating food and drug safety is primarily the responsibility of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), promoting economic development falls under various economic agencies, and overseeing public education systems is within the purview of the Department of Education.