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EPA History

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EPA was created on December 2, 1970, by President Richard Nixon. Read more about the origins of EPA.
Explore EPA's timeline

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EPA History

Origins and Leadership 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

Historical Photos
and Images

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