Definition

Proper noun: An independent federal agency of the United States government, established to coordinate and enforce national programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting human health and the natural environment.

Usage

The term "Environmental Protection Agency" is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this U.S. government agency. It is often abbreviated as "EPA." * The Environmental Protection Agency sets standards for air and water quality. * A new regulation was announced by the Environmental Protection Agency today. * You can find the report on the EPA website.

Advanced Usage

• "EPA regulations": Rules and standards created and enforced by the agency.
  • The factory must comply with all current EPA regulations.
• "EPA certification": Official approval from the agency that a product or process meets its environmental standards.
  • This wood stove has an EPA certification for low emissions.

Variants and Related Words

• EPA: The universally recognized initialism for the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Environmental protection (noun phrase): The general concept or activity of safeguarding the natural environment from harmful human activity. This is the broader concept from which the agency's name is derived.
  • The new law is a major step forward for environmental protection.

Synonyms

• Regulatory agency (general term): A government body responsible for exercising authority over a certain area of activity.
• Environmental regulator (descriptive term): An organization with the authority to control environmental standards.

Related Terms and Phrases

• Superfund: The common name for the EPA's program to clean up the nation's most contaminated land and respond to environmental emergencies.
  • The site was added to the Superfund list for cleanup.
• Clean Air Act / Clean Water Act: Major U.S. federal laws that the EPA is tasked with implementing and enforcing.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency enforces the Clean Air Act.

Noun

1. an independent federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment