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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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View other sources of materials on EPA history.

EPA History

Born in the wake of elevated concern about environmental pollution, EPA was established on December 2, 1970 to consolidate in one agency a variety of federal research, monitoring, standard-setting and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection. Since its inception, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.

Learn more about EPA's accomplishments over its close-to-50-year history on the Agency Accomplishments page and on the EPA History timeline.

Origins of EPA

Bill Ruckelshaus, EPA's first Administrator, getting sworn in by President Nixon

Learn about when and why the Agency began, how it was initially organized, and the origins of the EPA seal.

Historical Topics

Abandoned home near Love Canal

Find resources about the history of environmental statutes and regulations; disasters and emergencies; and other environmental topics of historical interest, like DDT, Earth Day, and noise pollution.

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 from non-historical environmental photo collections.

EPA Administrators

Review chronologies of EPA administrators, deputy administrators, and general counsels.
EPA's archive also includes biographies, photos and other information about each administrator. Search EPA Archive
Watch a 2006 video about EPA's administrators (runtime: 10:26).

Milestones in EPA and Environmental History

You can also read reports, speeches and articles about EPA's achievements and anniversary celebrations on the EPA accomplishments page.