Timeline

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was established in 1970 to consolidate in one agency a variety of federal research, monitoring, standard-setting and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection. EPA's mission is to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment—air, water, and land—upon which life depends. For more than 30 years, the EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.

1970s - EPA is created. Congress passes modern environmental statutues, such as Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act. EPA sets early human health exposure levels. The Supreme Court affirms EPA's role in environmental protection enforcement.

1980s - The Superfund law is passed to clean up old, abandonded waste sites. EPA and communities begin emergency response planning in the event of environmental accidents. State begin to run their own hazardous waste programs. Risk science begins to help EPA set priorities.

1990s - The Clean Air Act Amendments set the stage for further protections, such as dust and soot. Pollution prevention reduces pollution before it begins. EPA partners with companies to explore and test innovative, voluntary approaches to environmental protection.

2000s - Mercury emissions, visibility rules further improve air quality. EPA responds to 9/11. Clean diesel engines cut emissions from trucks, off-road equipment, and especially school buses.

Timeline of EPA's environmental progress on EPA's Earth Day site

Timeline

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