"In anticipation of future environmental science and engineering challenges and technologic advances, [USEPA] asked the National Research Council (NRC) to assess the overall capabilities of the agency to develop, obtain, and use the best available scientific and technologic information and tools to meet persistent, emerging, and future mission challenges and opportunities. Although the committee cannot predict with certainty what new environmental problems EPA will face in the next 10 years or more, it worked to identify some of the common drivers and common characteristics of problems that are likely to occur."--Website description. Includes bibliographical references.

Introduction -- Challenges of the 21st century -- Using emerging science and technologies to address persistent and future environmental challenges -- Building science for environmental protection in the 21st century -- Enhanced scientific leadership and capacity in the US Environmental Protection Agency -- Findings and recommendations. Appendices: Statement of task of the committee on science for EPA's future -- Biographical information on the committee on science for EPA's future -- The rapidly expanding field of "-omics" technologies -- Scientific computing, information technology, and informatics.