Laws & Regulations

Laws and Executive Orders

A number of laws serve as EPA's foundation for protecting the environment and public health. However, most laws do not have enough detail to be put into practice right away.

EPA is called a regulatory agency because Congress authorizes us to write regulations that explain the critical details necessary to implement environmental laws. In addition, a number of Presidential Executive Orders (EOs) play a central role in our activities. 


Summaries of environmental laws and EOs

The following laws and EOs help to protect human health and the environment. EPA is charged with administering all or a part of each.

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Summaries of laws and EOs that influence the regulatory process

The following laws and EOs help to protect human health and the environment. EPA is charged with administering all or a part of each.

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