Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

About Us The Illinois General Assembly was the first state legislature in the nation to adopt a comprehensive Environmental Protection Act(Act). It was signed into law by Governor Richard Ogilvie and became effective on July 1, 1970. As a part of the Act, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) was created. The mission of the Illinois EPA is to safeguard environmental quality, consistent with the social and economic needs of the State of Illinois, so as to protect health, welfare, property, and the quality of life. The Illinois EPA works to safeguard natural resources from pollution to provide a healthy environment. By partnering with businesses, local governments, and the public, the Illinois EPA is dedicated to continued protection of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we live on. Additional information about the Illinois EPA is available in the sidebar.