What is the EPA’s role in enforcement of environmental laws?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in enforcing environmental laws by actively investigating violations of these laws and regulations. This enforcement process is essential to maintaining compliance with environmental standards that protect air, water, and land quality. When the EPA identifies non-compliance, it has the authority to impose penalties, which can include fines or other corrective measures to ensure that violators adhere to the law. Additionally, the agency can initiate legal action against entities that continue to violate regulations, reinforcing the need for compliance and accountability in environmental practices.

The enforcement aspect of the EPA's role is vital for ensuring that laws designed to protect the environment are not only enacted but also followed, which helps to prevent environmental harm and promotes public health. By taking these actions, the EPA serves to uphold environmental standards and deter potential violators from engaging in harmful practices.

Other roles mentioned, like developing treaties, conducting research, or focusing on public awareness campaigns, while important in their own right, do not specifically address the enforcement of environmental laws that is described in the correct answer. As such, enforcement is a foundational function of the EPA in its mission to protect the environment effectively.