All of these fine efforts are educating Americans old and young, so that they can participate fully in protecting their family, their community, and their world. This vital work must continue and expand. Two in five Americans still live in areas where the air is dangerous to breathe. Forty percent of our rivers and lakes are not suitable for drinking, fishing, or swimming. Asthma is on the rise.
Breast cancer is on the rise.
And we face complex global environmental problems. The National Environmental Education Act of 1990 charged EPA with the responsibility for coordinating federal environmental education initiatives and for providing leadership at a national level to the public and private sectors. The act also mandated the creation of an office of environmental education within EPA and the operation of a number of environmental education programs and projects. As directed by Congress, EPA created an office at its Washington headquarters, which developed the following mission, goals, and programs with support from the 10 EPA regions. Promote the pursuit of environmental careers Educate the adult public to increase environmental literacy Educate across international boundaries.