The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent U.S. federal agency established in 1970 to protect human health and the environment. It develops and enforces national environmental regulations, works with states and tribes on permitting and compliance, and conducts monitoring, research, and enforcement across air, water, land, and chemical management.
For the chemical industry, EPA actions are central to operations and compliance. Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the agency reviews new chemicals, evaluates risks of existing substances, and requires reporting (e.g., Chemical Data Reporting). It sets air emissions standards and permitting requirements under the Clean Air Act (including MACT/NESHAP), regulates wastewater discharges under the Clean Water Act, and governs hazardous waste generation, storage, and disposal under RCRA. EPA also oversees emergency planning and public reporting through EPCRA and the Toxics Release Inventory, manages cleanup and liability under CERCLA/Superfund, and registers pesticides under FIFRA. In fuels programs, the agency regulates fuels and fuel additives, including detergent additive requirements and registration. EPA conducts inspections and can levy penalties to enforce compliance across these programs.