ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCIES
The following are the state and federal agencies that represent our environmental interests. Use the links below to learn more about these agencies.
​
PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
The Department of Environmental Protection’s mission is to protect Pennsylvania’s air, land and water from pollution and to provide for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner environment. We will work as partners with individuals, organizations, governments and businesses to prevent pollution and restore our natural resources.
​
Delaware River Basin Commission
A pioneer in environmental protection, the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) got its start on October 27, 1961. The commission is a regional body with the force of law to oversee a unified approach to managing the river system without regard to political boundaries. Commission programs include: water pollution abatement, water supply allocation, regulatory review (permitting), water conservation initiatives, regional planning, drought management, flood control and recreation.
​
​
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The mission of the EPA is the establishment and enforcement of environmental protection standards consistent with national environmental goals. They conduct of research on the adverse effects of pollution and on methods and equipment for controlling it; the gathering of information on pollution; and the use of this information in strengthening environmental protection programs and recommending policy changes... assisting others, through grants, technical assistance and other means, in arresting pollution of the environment... assisting the Council on Environmental Quality in developing and recommending to the President new policies for the protection of the environment.
​
EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
The mission of the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics focuses on the following four components:
-
Promoting pollution prevention as the guiding principle for controlling industrial pollution;
-
Promoting safer chemicals through a combination of regulatory and voluntary efforts;
-
Promoting risk reduction so as to minimize exposure to existing substances such as lead, asbestos, dioxin, and polychlorinated biphenyls; and
-
Promoting public understanding of risks by providing understandable, accessible and complete information on chemical risks to the broadest audience possible.