What does the Environmental Protection Agency do?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent executive branch agency responsible for safeguarding human health and protecting the environment by ensuring that people in the US have access to clean air, land, and water. Its functions include developing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress, providing grants to support environmental programs and projects, researches environmental issues, and fostering partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and state and local governments. It was established in 1970.
$13.7B
0.2%
How much does the Environmental Protection Agency spend?
The Environmental Protection Agency accounted for 0.2% of all federal spending in FY 2024.
Share of EPA net spending compared to the top ten highest spending agencies in FY 2024
The Environmental Protection Agency’s federal spending in FY 2024 was lower than in FY 1980.
Yearly federal net spending by EPA, adjusted for inflation (2024 dollars), FYs 1980–2024
The Environmental Protection Agency’s share of federal spending in FY 2024 was lower than in FY 1980.
Percentage of federal budget dedicated to EPA, FYs 1980–2024
How did the Environmental Protection Agency spend its budget in 2024?
Federal government net spending isolated to EPA, FY 2024
How many people work for the Environmental Protection Agency?
The number of federal employees working for the Environmental Protection Agency has decreased 10.2% since 2010.
Number of federal employees working for EPA, September 2010–2024
Who leads the Environmental Protection Agency?
The EPA is led by an administrator. The administrator is nominated by the president and must be confirmed by a Senate vote. Their term usually lasts for the duration of the president's administration but may end sooner if the administrator resigns or is replaced.
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Methodology
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
Page sources
USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.
Office of Personnel Management
FedScope
Office of Management and Budget and US Department of the Treasury
Budget of the US Government and Monthly Treasury Statement