The environmental policy area explores data on general pollution as well as air and water quality in Los Angeles County. Environmental policy is guided at the federal level by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), but state and local governments as well as private citizens can have a huge impact on their local environment’s health. Major cities in Los Angeles County have consistently ranked as some of the most polluted in the country. Environmental policy remains a crucial issue for our area, as environmental decline can affect public health, access to food and other important natural resources, and employment opportunities.