The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the American federal agency responsible for environmental protection and regulation in the United States. The EPA develops and enforces regulations covering air quality, water quality, hazardous waste, pesticides, and toxic substances. There is no exact Canadian equivalent—Environment and Climate Change Canada handles similar federal responsibilities, but Canada's environmental regulation is more dispersed between federal and provincial governments. Students may encounter EPA references in American news, scientific studies, or product information (EPA fuel economy ratings for vehicles). Some EPA regulations influence Canadian standards due to cross-border trade and environmental issues. Understanding the EPA helps interpret American environmental news and recognize that regulatory approaches differ between countries, even when addressing similar environmental challenges.