The Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972 empowered which agency to protect water quality in the U.S.?

The Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972 was a significant piece of legislation in the United States focused on regulating the discharge of pollutants into the waters of the United States and ensuring water quality standards. The agency that was specifically empowered to implement the provisions of this act is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA was established with broad authority to protect the environment, and under the CWA, it has the responsibility for developing and enforcing regulations that address water pollution, establishing water quality standards, and overseeing states' water quality programs. This includes setting limits on pollutants that can be discharged into waterways and ensuring that all waters meet established standards for public health and welfare.

In contrast, while the Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, and National Park Service all play roles related to land and resource management, their primary focus is not directly on regulating water quality under the CWA. The Department of Agriculture is primarily concerned with farming and rural development, the Forest Service manages national forest lands, and the National Park Service oversees national parks and monuments. These agencies may collaborate or have roles related to water management, but the enforcement and implementation of the Clean Water Act itself rests firmly with the EPA.