The ability of an agency to utilize its technical knowledge and expertise to address serious issues is highlighted by examining a recent historical environmental crisis: acid rain. Acid rain was once considered a serious environmental and public health concern, and the response by Congress in passing the Clean Air Act of 1990, and subsequent administrative agency action, has been heralded as an example of how Congress and administrative agencies can successfully respond to serious public concerns.

Examining the response by Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in addressing the issue of acid rain. 

• Discuss whether the EPA is a social welfare, regulatory, or public service agency, and why.
• Discuss whether the EPA can be characterized as an executive or an independent agency, and why.
• Describe the role Congress and the EPA played in addressing the environmental crisis of acid rain. Was the action taken by Congress and the EPA successful? Why or why not?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Characterizing the EPA as a Social Welfare Regulatory or Public Service Agency The EPA Environmental Protection Agency can be characterized as a regulatory agency The primary purpose of the EPA is to ... View the full answer