What was the primary goal of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established in 1970?

The primary goal of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), established in 1970, was to protect human health and the environment. This mission reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues during the late 1960s and early 1970s, a period marked by significant concern over pollution, ecological degradation, and the impact of industrial activities on public health.

The creation of the EPA was a response to increasing environmental activism and scientific evidence highlighting the dangers of air and water pollution, as well as the need for comprehensive environmental regulations. The agency was tasked with enforcing federal environmental laws, conducting research, and overseeing compliance with various statutes aimed at safeguarding the environment and enhancing public health.

Understanding the context of the other options provides clarity. The EPA was not primarily focused on international enforcement of environmental laws, nor was it created to promote industrial growth; rather, it sought to balance economic activities with environmental protections. While research is an important aspect of the agency's functions, conducting research alone was not its sole or primary aim. The overarching purpose of the EPA encompasses a broad commitment to improving both the quality of the environment and public health across the United States.