Which of the following is a function of the EPA?

• A. Reduce pollution in air, water, land
• B. Ensure safe drinking water
• C. Set and enforce environmental laws
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Protecting public health and the environment involves establishing standards, regulating pollutants, and ensuring compliance across air, water, and land. Reducing pollution in air, water, and land is a core activity: the EPA sets limits on emissions, monitors pollutants, cleans up contaminated sites, and oversees programs to cut pollution at the source. Ensuring safe drinking water is another major role: it develops and enforces standards for drinking water quality, oversees public water systems, and intervenes when contaminants exceed limits. Setting and enforcing environmental laws ties these duties together: the agency writes regulations, issues permits, conducts inspections, and enforces penalties for violations. When you consider these three functions together, the option that encompasses all of them is the most accurate choice.