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The Importance Of Environmental Protection

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Introduction According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, sustainability is defined as “of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged” (Merriam-Webster, 2017). The Federal Government regulates the specific use and protection of natural resources through the Environmental Protection Agency (henceforth, EPA). In 1962 Rachel Carson published a book called “Silent Spring” which popularized the idea of environmental protection (EPA History, 2017). The momentum for protection of the environment grew until, in 1970, President Richard Nixon established the EPA (EPA History, 2017). The EPA bases their sustainability efforts on the idea that, “everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.” (Learn About Sustainability, 2016). The stated mission of the EPA is to ensure Americans are protected from health and environmental risks, national policies are based on available scientific data, environmental laws are enforced fairly, environmental protection is a consideration during the creation of United States foreign and domestic policies, environmental information provided to Americans is accurate, and ensuring that the United States is a world leader in environmental
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