Whenever there is a new development proposed, the Environmental Protection Agency sends a team onsite to conduct an environmental assessment to determine what effects the development may have on the local environment. If this assessment shows that there will be harmful effects, the project may not be allowed to proceed, depending on the severity of those projected effects.

The EPA also works to protect threatened and endangered species. It can limit or ban hunting of different animals, and establish protected areas that will allow an endangered species the chance to survive and hopefully grow in numbers. One recent success story is that of the Gray Wolf, which is native to the Western US. The Grey Wolf was reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park, after not having been seen there since the 1930's. Other examples of endangered species are the Spotted Owl and the Polar Bear, which were just recently classified as endangered.

Another major program of the Environmental Protection Agency that effects all our lives is vehicle fuel economy testing. Whenever you shop for a new car, the EPA fuel economy ratings are shown on the sticker. These EPA fuel ratings are required by law to help consumers in choosing the right vehicle; as well as to promote energy efficiency among car manufacturers.

The Environmental Protection Agency monitors air pollution and air quality across the country issuing ozone and pollutant warnings when necessary. The EPA can fine or shut down manufacturing plants and other polluters, if the level of pollution they release into the environment is extreme.

The Supreme Court recently ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate greenhouse gases which have been shown to contribute to Global Climate Change. This could mean stricter emissions requirements on automobile manufacturers in the future.