The EPA has primary responsibility for enforcing the environmental statutes and regulations of the United States. As such, the Agency is granted explicit enforcement authority in all of the major environmental statutes. Sometimes, however, that authority needs to be further refined or explained. In such cases, EPA may develop and implement policies and write guidance. In addition, EPA sometimes issues policy or guidance to encourage compliance with environmental requirements. Policy documents represent EPA's official interpretation or view of specific issues. Guidance documents are published to further clarify regulations and to assist in implementation of environmental regulations.

Recommended EPA Web pages

• Policy and Guidance Documents: The Enforcement and Compliance Document and Information Center (ECDIC)
  The ECDIC is a contractor operated facility that provides public access to regulatory information supporting the Agency's enforcement activities.
• National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology
  Provides information about the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT).

Chemicals Management

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Environmental Indicators

Environmental Justice

Environmental Management Systems

Environmental Policy
American Indian Policy, Directive, Guidance

Partnerships
Cooperative Agreements, National Environmental Performance Track, Public Private Partnerships

Resources Management
Conservation, Needs Survey, Resources Planning

Risk Assessment
Ecological Risk Assessment, Exposure Assessment, Human Health Risk Assessment

Risk Management
Cumulative Risk, Risk Communication

Smart Growth