The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the division of the United States government responsible for protecting and preserving the natural environment and human health.

On April 17, 2009, the EPA declared greenhouse gases as a health threat. The decision could lead to the federal regulation of harmful emissions and speed up the federal response to global warming.DallasNews.com: EPA declares greenhouse gases a health threat (April 17, 2009)

The EPA is a federal agency that protects human health and the environment. Scientists, engineers, and other environmental specialists study the the quality of the air, the land, and water.

The agency is then responsible for setting and enforcing national standards under a variety of environmental laws. They work with state, local and tribal governments. The EPA has the ability to fine and sanction when the standards set forth are not met. The EPA is about to start regulating carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases for the first time.FOX: [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/02/18/epa-expected-regulate-carbon-dioxide-time/ EPA Expected to Regulate Carbon Dioxide for First Time\ (February 19,2009)

In 2008, the state of California applied to the EPA, asking to be able to set its own standards for automobile and truck manufacture. California wanted to require higher emissions standards and fuel efficiency than the EPA requires. President Bush sided with automakers and rejected the application. On January 26, 2009, President Obama asked the EPA to reconsider California's application.CNN: Obama puts his stamp on auto emissions policy — reversing Bush position (January 26, 2009)

On January 26, 2009, President Barack Obama signed an executive order asking the EPA to reverse the Bush decision prohibiting California from setting its own stricter emission and fuel efficiency standards.CNN: Obama puts his stamp on auto emissions policy — reversing Bush position (January 26, 2009) At the same time, he ordered the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin drawing up higher fuel economy standards on cars and light trucks.New York Times: Obama Directs Regulators to Tighten Auto Rules (January 26, 2009)