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Before we go any further, please bear in mind that this page is the EPA's own self-assessment, so it is incredibly biased, making them sound like the greatest thing since soap. In truth, the E.P.A. has accomplished sound great things, some mediocre things, and been absolutely crap at others. They have exaggerated and twisted the laws to their own purposes at times, wielding their power like a bully to extort absurd penalties from business in many cases where NO environmental harm was caused and no malicious intent was present (often for trivial paperwork errors). In other cases, they have FAILED to enforce environmental regulations because of political patronages and ignored the pleas and will of the American people to protect the environment against deforestation and industrial rape. And in the process, spent billions of dollars, often for trivial accomplishment.

And yet, they are better than what preceded them - nothing but industry and pollution. So read on; just remember this is very one-sided - the EPA's own view:

EPA Says:

During the years since EPA's creation (Dec. 2,1970), the U.S. has achieved tremendous progress in protecting public health and the environment. During this time, the EPA has endeavored to achieve systematic control and abatement of pollution, by administering a variety of research, monitoring, standard-setting, and enforcement activities. EPA has also supported and coordinated research and antipollution activities by state and local governments, private and public groups, individuals, and educational institutions. In addition, EPA has reinforced efforts on the part of other federal agencies to assess the impact of their operations on the environment.

A Look at EPA Accomplishments provides a 1970-1995 timeline of environmental progress in issues related to clean air and water, pesticide safety, hazardous waste management, toxic chemical reporting requirements, pollution prevention, environmental enforcement initiatives, international environmental cooperation, and reinvention of environmental regulation. For information on more current EPA programs, projects, partnerships, and reinvention activities, visit the EPA Projects and Programs Web site.