Definition of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

an agency of the federal government charged with a variety of responsibilities relating to protection of the quality of the natural environment, including research and monitoring, promulgation of standards for air and water quality, and control of the introduction of pesticides and other hazardous materials into the environment.

an agency of the U.S. government established to enforce federal pollution abatement laws and to implement various pollution prevention programs.

Example: The Environmental Protection Agency requires permits for the siting of manufacturing facilities that may introduce pollution into the air or public waters. The EPA also provides grants to local governments to assist in construction of sewage treatment plants.