Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

Which of the following is primarily responsible for establishing air quality monitoring stations?

1. Local health departments

2. Environmental Protection Agency

3. State Implementation Plans

4. Community organizations

The correct answer is: Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is primarily responsible for establishing air quality monitoring stations. The agency plays a critical role in setting and enforcing regulations to protect air quality under the Clean Air Act, which includes establishing networks of monitoring stations to assess the quality of the air in various locations. These stations collect data on pollutants, which is essential for evaluating compliance with air quality standards, informing the public about air quality levels, and guiding policy decisions aimed at reducing pollution and protecting public health. While local health departments and community organizations may contribute to monitoring efforts and community outreach, they do not have the primary authority to establish and regulate a formal network of air quality monitoring stations. State Implementation Plans refer to state-level strategies to comply with federal air quality standards but do not directly set up monitoring stations themselves. Instead, they typically outline how each state intends to achieve and maintain standards set by the EPA. Therefore, the EPA's role is central and crucial in establishing the infrastructure necessary for air quality monitoring nationwide.