| Abstract |
Since EPA was formed in 1970, the United States has made enormous environmental progress. Americas air, water, and land are cleaner today than they were only a decade ago, and increasingly, Americans are shifting to a green way of thinking. As Americas environmental steward, EPA has made great strides in leading the nations environmental science, research, education, and assessment efforts. The Agency has strengthened regulations to protect air, water, and food, and, through its compliance efforts, prevented or reduced millions of pounds of pollution released into the environment. With state, tribal, and local government partners, EPA is working to protect ecosystems and develop new opportunities and innovative partnerships to accelerate environmental protection. Despite this progress, however, EPA continues to face serious challenges in improving and sustaining the environment. The nations freshwater resources provide safe drinking water for millions of Americans, and EPA must continue to safeguard these resources. Increased energy consumption and costs underscore the need to promote the use of alternative energy sources and investment in new technologies. Global climate change requires that the Agency create partnerships around the world and across many sectors to help foster production and consumption choices that slow the rate of global climate change impacts while still growing the economy. These and other challenges inspire the Agency, driving its work and commitment to achieve excellent performance and strong results. |
