Creation of a Department of the Environment
Gao ID: T-RCED-93-6 February 18, 1993GAO testified on proposed legislation that would create a Department of the Environment. GAO supports such a move. Conferring Cabinet status on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would not only enhance the status of environmental protection issues on the nation's agenda but would also help the nation to respond more effectively to the complex environmental challenges it faces. Other reasons for GAO's support include the growing importance of EPA and of environmental issues; the interrelationship of environmental protection issues and other issues represented by Cabinet departments; and the ability of the proposed elevation to Cabinet status to improve EPA's oversight and accountability.