Research Priorities

Air Research: EPA researchers develop and evaluate technologies to  control and prevent air pollution from sources, such as  waste and utility and industrial plants. We improve indoor air quality to determine the sources of greenhouse gas, to develop plans to decontaminate.

Highlights: Source/Emissions Characterization | Combustion/Emission Control | Indoor Air

Climate Change: EPA researchers provide the information that the world needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to changing climates. Even as our climate, technologies and practices change, we work to maintain and improve the environment to protect the quality of our air, water, land, and human and ecosystem health.

Highlights: Technology Assessment | Biofuels | Carbon Sequestration | Water Quality & Availability

Groundwater & Ecosystems Restoration Research: EPA provides answers and technical assistance to protect and restore groundwater, surface water, and ecosystems changed by man-made and natural events. We are in the forefront on research in  hydraulic fracturing, clean up contaminants, and evaluating the success of ecosystem restoration efforts.

Highlights: Wetland Restoration | Watershed Management | Nitrogen Management | Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations | Nanotechnology

Land, Waste and Cleanup: EPA researchers deal with land issues such as oil spills, contaminated land, waste, sustainable communities, green infrastructure, and emerging contaminants. Emerging contaminants include nanomaterials and pharmaceutical & personal care products.

Highlights: Oil Spills | Materials Management | Sustainable Communities | Contaminated Soil and Sediments

Sustainable Technology: EPA researchers are helping communities as well as partners in industry, academia, and international organizations to sustainably manage resources using innovative technologies and decision support tools. Our research offers technologies to balance the financial, community, and environmental needs of today with the prospects for the same—or better—quality of life for tomorrow.

Highlights: Biofuels | Green Chemistry and Engineering | Life Cycle Perspective | Nanotechnology | Sustainability Metrics Development | Sustainability-Based Decision Making

Environmental Technology Assessments, Verifications & Transfers: Technology is the practical use  of our scientific knowledge to solve problems. Our research deals with the creation and use of technology and its affects on us and the environment.  New environmental technologies will be  more effective,  less costly than traditional ways, and able to solve the more complex environmental problems that we face today.

Highlights: Assessments | ETV | Water Technology Collaboration and Transfer | SITE

Water: Water researchers deal with drinking water problems, aging water infrastructure, source water protection, groundwater, and water quality. We provide technical assistance to states, utilities and the water industry.

Highlights: Drinking Water | Aging Water Infrastructure | Source Water Protection | Water Quality