American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

When was the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established?

1. 1965

2. 1970

3. 1975

4. 1980

The correct answer is: 1970

The establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970 marked a significant milestone in environmental policy and regulation in the United States. Created in response to the growing concern over pollution and environmental degradation, the EPA was tasked with consolidating various federal research, monitoring, standard-setting, and enforcement activities into one agency. This was a pivotal moment in the national shift toward prioritizing environmental health and regulatory oversight. The recognition of a need for a dedicated agency to address environmental issues became increasingly apparent in the late 1960s, amidst rising public awareness and advocacy for cleaner air, water, and overall environmental protections. The 1970 date highlights the beginnings of more structured environmental legislation, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and numerous other policies that have since shaped the framework for environmental governance in the U.S. The other years mentioned in the options, while significant in the timeline of environmental action, do not coincide with the formal establishment of the EPA, which is why 1970 is the correct response.