EPA History

EPA was created on December 2, 1970, by President Richard Nixon. Read more about the origins of EPA.
Explore EPA's timeline
 


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EPA History

Born in the wake of elevated concern about environmental pollution, EPA was established on December 2, 1970 to consolidate in one agency a variety of federal research, monitoring, standard-setting and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection. Since its inception, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.

Learn more about EPA's accomplishments over its close-to-50-year history on the Agency Accomplishments page and on the EPA History timeline.

Milestones in EPA and Environmental History

You can also read reports, speeches and articles about EPA's achievements and anniversary celebrations on the EPA accomplishments page.