EPA's Planned Actions

Most experts agree that there is a growing and significant threat of an influenza pandemic. As with any of the risks that we face as a nation, every segment of society must prepare for such a threat. EPA has connections to a broad group of stakeholders, including other federal departments and agencies; the White House; Congress; environmental groups; regulated entities; state, local, and tribal governments, and others. EPA is working closely with our stakeholders to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic.

During an influenza pandemic, EPA will work hard to sustain our essential governmental services and to protect human health and the environment. In a worst-case pandemic situation, it is likely that only the most critical functions will continue to be performed by the Agency.
Assuming that 40% of EPA's work force will be either ill or caring for sick family members, day-to-day activities will be seriously curtailed. EPA would be performing only those essential functions involving:
- Management and communication with Agency employees, contractors, assistance recipients, and other stakeholders;
- Implementation of EPA's Continuity of Operations Plans;
- Support for the federal response to a pandemic outbreak;
- Response to hazardous material releases that endanger human health and the environment; and
- Performance of the Agency's national security functions.
Like all federal agencies, EPA has identified essential personnel, who will be called upon to perform essential functions and services during a pandemic. EPA will provide information, as appropriate, to stakeholders identifying these essential personnel and the best means for communicating with them. These employees may be people with whom you do not normally interact.

Find out more about EPA's response roles.

EPA's Planned Actions

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