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    • Environmental Topics
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EPA History

  • Celebrating 50 years of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

    EPA was created on December 2, 1970, by President Richard Nixon.

    • Read the news release
    • Learn more about EPA at 50
    • Read more about the origins of EPA.
  • EPA's Administrators

    Since its founding in 1970, EPA has had 15 administrators appointed by the president.

    VIDEO: EPA's administrators talk about their tenure at EPA's helm.

Origins of EPA

Bill Ruckelshaus, EPA's first Administrator, getting sworn in by President Nixon
  • Learn about the origins of EPA
  • Explore the timeline of Milestones in EPA and Environmental History.
  • Read about EPA accomplishments over its 50-year history.
  • Review chronologies of EPA administrators, deputy administrators, and general counsels.

Historical Topics

Abandoned home near Love Canal
  • Environmental statutes, regulations and policies
  • Research milestones
  • Natural disasters and other emergencies
  • Earth Day and other history

Historical Photos

Testing vehicle emissions, 1970.  This photo was part of EPA's Documerica Project.
  • View photos from EPA's Documerica Project (1971-1977) and other environmental photo collections.
  • Watch videos about the administrators.
  • EPA's archive also includes biographies, photos and other information about EPA's history. SEARCH EPA ARCHIVE
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on April 19, 2022
United States Environmental Protection Agency

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