What is the primary purpose of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency?

The primary purpose of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is to protect the environment and public health through regulation and enforcement. This agency plays a crucial role in developing and enforcing environmental regulations to ensure the state's natural resources are preserved and the health of residents is safeguarded. By focusing on pollution control, waste management, and resource conservation, the agency works to mitigate risks that could harm public health or degrade environmental quality.

This emphasis on regulation and enforcement is vital because it establishes a framework for maintaining clean air and water, managing hazardous waste, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws. Therefore, the core mission of the agency aligns closely with its responsibility to both protect the natural environment and address public health concerns associated with environmental hazards.