Environmental Protection Agencies and Contacts Fact Sheet

Environmental Protection Agencies

& Contacts fACT sHEET

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment. The EPA develops and enforces environmental regulations, conducts scientific research, provides environmental education, responds to environmental emergencies, and works with state, tribal, local, and international partners to protect the nation's air, water, land, and natural resources. The EPA's mission aligns with the Zen Garden mission to empower community leaders to raise environmental awareness. The following EPA headquarters offices play key roles in carrying out the agency's environmental protection mission.

EPA Headquarters Offices

Office	Brief Role in Protecting the Environment
Office of the Administrator (AO) Lee Zeldin, Administrator (202) 564-4700	Provides overall leadership and sets the EPA's environmental priorities, policies, and strategic direction.
Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) Aaron Szabo, Assistant Admin  (202) 564-7400	Protects air quality, reduces air pollution, and addresses climate, radiation, and ozone-related issues.
Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) Edward Messina, Director  messina.edward@epa.gov	Regulates chemicals and pesticides to prevent harm to people, wildlife, and ecosystems.
Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) Jeffrey A. Hall. Assistant Admin  (202) 564-2440	Ensures environmental laws are followed through inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions.
Office of Finance and Administration (OFA) Paige Hanson, CFO & CAO  (202) 564-1151	Manages EPA resources, finances, facilities, and operations so environmental programs can function effectively.
Office of General Counsel (OGC) Sean Donahue, General Counsel (202) 564-7153	Provides legal guidance to ensure EPA actions and regulations are lawful and enforceable.
Office of Inspector General (OIG) (202) 250-8800	Promotes efficiency, accountability, and integrity by auditing and investigating EPA programs and operations.
Office of International and Tribal Affairs (OITA) Usha-Maria Turner, Assistant Admin  (202) 564-6600	Works with Tribal Nations and international partners to address environmental challenges that cross borders and jurisdictions.
Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM) Thomas Croci, Acting Ass. Admin  (202) 566-0200	Oversees hazardous waste management, contaminated site cleanup, recycling programs, and environmental emergency response.
Office of Research and Development (ORD) (202) 564-6620	Conducts scientific research that supports EPA policies, regulations, and environmental decision-making.
Office of Water (OW) Jessica Kramer, Assistant Admin  (202) 564-5700	Protects drinking water, rivers, lakes, wetlands, groundwater, and wastewater systems.

EPA Regional Offices

In addition to its headquarters offices, the EPA operates ten regional offices that implement environmental programs, provide technical assistance, coordinate emergency response activities, and work directly with state, tribal, and local governments. 

EPA REGION 4 (Florida) 

States: AL, GA, KY, MS, NC, TN, FL, SC

Florida is located in EPA Region 4. The following is a list of contacts within this region that may be contacted for environmental education, outreach, and environmental assistance. 

Environmental Education Coordinators

Melba Furlow

Environmental Education Coordinator, EPA Region 4
61 Forsyth Street SW, Mail Code 9T25
Atlanta, GA 30303
Email: Region4ee@epa.gov

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is Florida's lead environmental agency. DEP is responsible for protecting the state's air, water, land, and natural resources through permitting, compliance monitoring, enforcement, environmental restoration, public outreach, and policy development. DEP works closely with federal, state, local, and community partners to ensure Florida's environmental resources are protected for current and future generations.

Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA)

Phone: (850) 245-2140
Website: https://floridadep.gov/ola

Brief Role in Protecting the Environment:
Serves as the Florida DEP's liaison to the Florida Legislature, Governor's Office, and other governmental entities. The office tracks environmental legislation, coordinates DEP's legislative activities, and helps ensure that state environmental laws and policies support Florida's efforts to protect air, water, land, and natural resources.

Why It Matters:
Environmental protection depends on effective laws and policies. The Office of Legislative Affairs helps ensure that Florida's environmental programs have the legislative support needed to protect natural resources, public health, and future generations.

Southeast District

Director: Sirena Davila

Phone: (561) 681-6600

Email: SoutheastDistrict@FloridaDEP.gov

Website: https://floridadep.gov/southeast

Brief Role in Protecting the Environment:
Provides leadership and oversight for environmental permitting, compliance, enforcement, emergency response coordination, and natural resource protection activities throughout Southeast Florida.

Why It Matters:
The Office of the Director oversees programs that help protect air quality, water resources, wetlands, coastal habitats, the Everglades ecosystem, and public health across seven counties in Southeast Florida. The Southeast District serves more than seven million residents and helps ensure environmental regulations are followed while supporting responsible growth and economic development.

Zen Garden 

Environmental Protection Initiative 

Government agencies such as the EPA and Florida DEP play a critical role in protecting our environment, but lasting environmental change also depends on informed and engaged communities to take action. Zen Garden's mission is to empower community leaders to raise environmental awareness and inspire community action. Our goal is to help communities become informed advocates for environmental stewardship and meaningful legislative solutions that strengthen environmental protections throughout the United States.

This fact sheet was created to help residents understand which agencies and officials are responsible for environmental protection and how to engage with them. An informed public is one of the most powerful tools for protecting natural resources. By building positive relationships with environmental agencies, elected officials, community organizations, and policymakers, citizens can help encourage responsible environmental decision-making and support legislation that protects our air, water, land, wildlife, and future generations.

How You Can Help

• Learn about environmental issues affecting your community.
• Report environmental concerns to the appropriate agencies.
• Participate in local cleanups, conservation projects, and educational programs.
• Share environmental resources with neighbors, schools, and community organizations.
• Support efforts to protect clean air, clean water, wildlife habitats, wetlands, and public green spaces.
• Communicate respectfully with public officials and agency representatives about environmental concerns and priorities.
• Partner with local, state, and federal agencies to build a healthier and more sustainable future.

Community Leadership Matters

Every resident has the ability to make a positive impact. By working together with organizations such as Zen Garden, environmental agencies, educators, businesses, and local governments, communities can help protect natural resources, improve public health, and leave a lasting environmental legacy for future generations.

Get Involved

To learn more about environmental education, community engagement opportunities, environmental stewardship initiatives, or partnership opportunities, contact Zen Garden and join the movement to cultivate environmental awareness, community action, and environmental protection throughout Florida and beyond.

Conclusion

Environmental protection is a shared responsibility among federal, state, regional, and local agencies. The EPA and Florida DEP work together to protect public health, preserve natural resources, enforce environmental laws, and support community-based environmental education and stewardship initiatives. Through awareness, education, collaboration, and public participation, organizations such as Zen Garden can help strengthen environmental protection efforts throughout Florida and the nation.