WHAT IS IT?  The EPA is an independent Federal regulatory agency which was created in 1970 in order to consolidate consolidate the Federal Government's environmental regulatory activities under the jurisdiction of a single Agency.  President Richard Nixon transmitted the plan to Congress on July 9, 1970.  EPA regulations are codified in CFR title 40.  These volumes include rules for water, soil, air, and hazardous waste.

The head of EPA is called the "Administrator."  Lisa P. Jackson has been EPA ADMINISTRATOR since 2009.