What is a primary function of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in relation to air quality?

What is a primary function of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in relation to air quality?

• A. To promote fossil fuel usage
• B. To regulate air pollution and set health standards
• C. To develop new fossil fuel technologies
• D. To monitor only outdoor air quality

Answer: (B)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in regulating air quality primarily by setting and enforcing standards for air pollutants to protect public health and the environment. By establishing regulations that limit the emissions of harmful pollutants, the EPA ensures that the air we breathe is safe, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions. The agency also conducts research and provides guidelines for industries and local governments to adhere to these standards, promoting cleaner air and reducing health risks associated with poor air quality. In contrast, promoting fossil fuel usage, developing new fossil fuel technologies, and focusing solely on outdoor air quality do not align with the EPA's mission, which centers on safeguarding air quality as a whole and mitigating pollution sources.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in regulating air quality primarily by setting and enforcing standards for air pollutants to protect public health and the environment. By establishing regulations that limit the emissions of harmful pollutants, the EPA ensures that the air we breathe is safe, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions. The agency also conducts research and provides guidelines for industries and local governments to adhere to these standards, promoting cleaner air and reducing health risks associated with poor air quality.

In contrast, promoting fossil fuel usage, developing new fossil fuel technologies, and focusing solely on outdoor air quality do not align with the EPA's mission, which centers on safeguarding air quality as a whole and mitigating pollution sources.