This document is EPA's strategy for addressing the question of whether-and if so, how-it may be appropriate to consider EMSs in the context of the Federal regulatory structure, either to improve the design of regulatory programs, to encourage the use of EMSs, or both. EPA wishes to make clear that it has no intention of mandating the use of EMSs in rules and permits. Rather, the aim of this Strategy is to determine whether there could be benefits from providing options within the regulatory structure for organizations that choose to adopt an EMS. In addition, this Strategy does not signal any intent on the part of the Agency to modify its existing policy of promoting the widespread use of EMSs on a voluntary basis.