Which agency focuses on the conservation and protection of the environment?

The Environmental Protection Agency is primarily responsible for understanding and addressing environmental issues, making it the key federal agency focused on the conservation and protection of the environment. Established in response to growing concerns about pollution and environmental degradation in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the agency works to enforce regulations designed to protect air and water quality, manage waste, and ensure the safety of chemicals. Its mission includes scientifically assessing environmental problems, developing and enforcing regulations, and providing guidance to states and communities on environmental matters.

In contrast, while other agencies, like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, do have components related to environmental issues, their focus is broader and includes areas like weather monitoring and oceanic research. The Department of Transportation primarily handles transportation infrastructure rather than environmental stewardship, and the Department of Defense focuses on national security and military readiness. Thus, the Environmental Protection Agency is the most directly aligned with the mission of conservation and environmental protection.