California Environmental Protection Agency

The California Environmental Protection Agency has led California in creating and implementing some of the most progressive environmental policies in America, from negotiating the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32), to launching the Green Chemistry Initiative. CalEPA has also established Environmental Justice programs, adopted a Tribal Policy, and expanded enforcement efforts. CalEPA was formally established on July 17, 1991 although its foundation was laid decades earlier through the hard work of multiple administrations. In 1961, Governor Edmund G. Brown oversaw a comprehensive reorganization of the Executive branch, which established state agencies and placed most of the state’s environmental quality programs within the Resources Agency. When Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. took office in 1975, one of his first actions was to propose establishing a separate agency dedicated to the environment. While the plan was not adopted by the Legislature, Governor Brown was able to successfully establish a new Cabinet-level position – Secretary of Environmental Affairs – tasked with advising the Governor and broadening environmental protections. **Our Mission** Our mission is to restore, protect and enhance the environment, to ensure public health, environmental quality and economic vitality. We fulfill our mission by developing, implementing and enforcing environmental laws that regulate air, water and soil quality, pesticide use and waste recycling and reduction. Our departments are at the forefront of environmental science, using the most recent research to shape the state’s environmental laws. The Office of the Secretary heads CalEPA, overseeing and coordinating the activities of one office, two boards, and three departments dedicated to improving California’s environment.