Oregon Construction Contractors (CCB) Practice Test

Which federal agency is responsible for leading environmental science, research, and education efforts?

1. Department of Environmental Quality

2. Environmental Protection Agency

3. Federal Bureau of Investigation

4. Department of Energy

The correct answer is: Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for leading environmental science, research, and education efforts. Established in response to growing environmental concerns in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the EPA's primary mission is to protect human health and the environment by enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress. The agency conducts research, oversees environmental programs, and educates the public about environmental issues. This includes air and water quality, hazardous waste management, and pollution prevention initiatives. The EPA works with various stakeholders, including state and local governments, to implement environmental policies and ensure compliance with environmental laws. While the Department of Environmental Quality also deals with environmental matters, it operates at the state level and does not have the same federal authority or scope as the EPA. The Federal Bureau of Investigation focuses on national security and law enforcement, while the Department of Energy is primarily responsible for energy policy and nuclear material; neither of these agencies has a leading role in environmental science and research. Thus, the EPA is unequivocally recognized as the primary federal entity for these critical responsibilities.