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Basic Information
EPA’s Homeland Security programs and activities extend across multiple program offices and Regions. EPA's Office of Homeland Security (OHS) coordinates the Agency's implementation of homeland security taskings and provides leadership in the development of cross-cutting policies and initiatives.
The Homeland Security Portal provides a central location to link all homeland security related information involving EPA in a comprehensive, easy-to-use format. This site includes highlights of EPA's responsibilities for homeland security, the Agency's approach to these responsiblities, and links to all of the EPA offices involved in homeland security. Tools and resources, as well as EPA contacts for homeland security related issues, can also be found on these pages. This web site includes:
EPA Program Office Roles and Responsibilities
OA, OAR, OARM, OCFO, OECA, OEI, OGC, OIA, OIG, OPPTS, ORD, OSWER, OW, RegionsPrograms and Initiatives
Criminal Enforcement, Emergency Preparedness, Food and Agriculture, Pandemic Flu, Regions, Research and Science, Water SecurityLaws and Regulations
Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPDs), Homeland Security Specific Statutory Authorities, Core Mission Authorities, Executive Orders- Resources
Tools, Contacts, A-Z Subject Index, About the Homeland Security Portal
History of Homeland Security at EPA
For over 35 years, EPA has been responding to oil and chemical spills and natural disasters. EPA’s long-standing competencies in these areas—emergency response, hazardous material cleanup, water quality protection, air quality monitoring, and radiation detection—provide the Agency with a base of expertise and capabilities necessary to address today’s homeland security challenges.
Since 2001, EPA has responded to several major disasters and nationally significant incidents, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the anthrax terrorist incidents, the Columbia Shuttle disaster and recovery efforts, the ricin incident on Capitol Hill, and the Gulf Coast hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In light of recent EPA Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPD), the government-wide National Response Framework, EPA continues to enhance its preparedness stance.
Read more about how homeland security is highlighted in EPA's Strategic Plan.