Which U.S. federal agency is responsible for protecting human health and the environment, focusing on air, water, and land regulations?

• A. Agency for Environmental Safety
• B. National Institute of Environmental Health
• C. Environmental Commission
• D. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Answer: (D)

The main idea is identifying which federal body handles nationwide protections for health and the environment through air, water, and land rules. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the agency responsible for this. Created in 1970 to consolidate environmental programs, the EPA sets and enforces standards under laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, regulates pollution, issues permits, and oversees cleanup of hazardous wastes. It works with states and communities to implement protections that reduce health risks from pollution and protect ecosystems. The other options aren’t real federal agencies with this mandate, so they don’t fit the role described.