What is the primary role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

The primary role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is to enforce federal environmental laws. This involves the implementation and enforcement of regulations that protect human health and the environment. The agency is responsible for setting standards and regulations based on laws passed by Congress, monitoring compliance, and taking action against violations. By enforcing these laws, the EPA helps to ensure that air and water quality are maintained, hazardous waste is managed properly, and pollutants are controlled, thereby safeguarding public health and the environment.

While the other choices—such as public education, environmental research, and promotion of sustainable business practices—are certainly important activities that the EPA engages in, they all serve as complementary functions to the core role of enforcing laws. Public education raises awareness about environmental issues, research informs policy and regulation, and promoting sustainable practices helps businesses comply with regulations. However, the fundamental mission of the EPA centers around the enforcement of laws to create a comprehensive framework for environmental protection.