The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent agency of the federal government tasked with protecting human health and the environment. The agency works to ensure that Americans have clean air, land, and water, and that they are protected from hazardous waste and toxic substances. The EPA was established in 1970 by President Richard Nixon in response to growing concerns about pollution and environmental degradation. The agency is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has regional offices throughout the country.