About EPA
EPA History
Born in the wake of elevated concern about environmental pollution, EPA was established on December 2, 1970 to consolidate in one agency a variety of federal research, monitoring, standard-setting and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection. Since its inception, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.
Origins of EPALearn about:
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Historical TopicsFind resources about:
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Historical Photos and ImagesView photos from EPA's Documerica Project (1971-1977) and from non-historical environmental photo collections. |
Milestones in EPA and Environmental History
- Note that the timeline below can be slow to load.
- You can also read reports, speeches and articles about EPA's achievements and anniversary celebrations on the EPA accomplishments page.
EPA Administrators
- Note that the timeline below can be slow to load.
- You can also view chronologies of EPA administrators and deputy administrators , and a 2006 video about EPA's administrators (12 min., 46 MB, wmv).
State of the Environment (SotE)
Photo Project
From April 2011 through 2013, we're inviting photographers to submit photos on the state of the environment as they experience it. Submit your best photos starting now, and we'll feature uploaded photos on EPA.
- See what photos have been submitted to date and share your images on Flickr
- Check out the SotE Photo Project blog
Other Sources of Materials on EPA History
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The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) preserves the permanent records of the Environmental Protection Agency at Archives II in College Park, Maryland. For information on records and access policies, contact NARA's Textual Archives Services. The Guide to the Records of the Environmental Protection Agency (Record Group 412), 1944-96, includes coverage of EPA's predecessor agencies (1944-71).
- The EPA Historical Document Collection is housed within the EPA Headquarters Repository and Library. The documents in the collection have not yet been organized. View a list of the collection contents and how they will be organized. To arrange a visit to the library for the use of materials in this collection please email the EPA Headquarters Repository and Library reference staff.