why was the epa created

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created in 1970 by President Richard Nixon in response to increasing public concern and outrage over severe environmental pollution. The agency was established to consolidate and coordinate federal environmental responsibilities that were previously scattered across various government departments. Its mission was to protect human health and safeguard the environment by enforcing laws to ensure clean air, water, and responsible waste management. This creation followed a period marked by environmental crises such as polluted air and waterways, including rivers catching fire and widespread smog in cities, as well as influential public awareness sparked by works like Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring." The EPA was given authority to implement and enforce national environmental standards, notably starting with the Clean Air Act amendments of 1970 and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which mandated environmental impact assessments for major federal projects. In summary, the EPA was created to provide a centralized, effective authority to address escalating pollution problems and protect public health and the environment nationwide.