Certified Forester Practice Exam

Which organization first created environmental policies and goals for the U.S.?

1. Environmental Protection Agency

2. President's Council on Environmental Quality

3. U.S. Forest Service

4. National Park Service

The correct answer is: President's Council on Environmental Quality

The President's Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was established to advise the President on environmental policies and to coordinate the federal government's efforts in this area. Created as a part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in 1969, the CEQ was pivotal in initiating comprehensive environmental policies, setting the stage for future regulations and environmental assessments. It plays a critical role in developing governmental strategies for environmental sustainability and ensuring that federal agencies consider the impact of their actions on the environment. The other organizations listed have significant roles in environmental conservation and protection, but they were not the first to establish overarching environmental policies for the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for example, was established later, in 1970, to enforce federal environmental laws. The U.S. Forest Service focuses primarily on managing national forests and grasslands, while the National Park Service is dedicated to the protection of national parks. These agencies contribute to environmental stewardship but were not the pioneers in formulating the initial environmental policies for the country.