Technology and Innovation

Technologies for Clean Air, Water and Land

Air

Fuel cells and other clean automotive technology

EPA conducts this innovative research primarily to achieve ultra-low pollution emissions; increase fuel efficiency; and reduce greenhouse gases.
Fuel cells | Clean Automotive Technology

Combustion research

EPA conducts fundamental and applied combustion research, including evaluation of on-line gas chromatographs (GCs) for monitoring of waste incinerator emissions and chemical and physical characterization of PM 2.5 from combustion sources.
More on combustion research >>

RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse (RBLC)

The RBLC database contains case-specific information provided by state and local permitting agencies on the "best available" air pollution technologies that have been required to reduce the emission of air pollutants from stationary sources (e.g., power plants, steel mills, chemical plants, etc.).
View the RBLC database >>

Air Monitoring Equipment for Disaster Response

In response to a disaster, EPA uses a self-contained mobile laboratory, called TAGA, and a small aircraft, called ASPECT, to monitor air quality.
More on ASPECT and TAGA >>

Technology and Tools for Radiation Cleanups

EPA uses the best available science to develop risk assessment tools and guidance for cleaning up sites that are contaminated with radioactive materials.
More on radiation cleanup tools >>

Water

Drinking Water Analytical Test Methods

Approved analytical methods must be used when analyzing drinking water samples to meet federal monitoring requirements or to demonstrate compliance with drinking water regulations. EPA reviews and approves methods that can be used.
More on methods for safe drinking water >>

Clean Water Act Analytical Test Methods

Learn about laboratory analytical methods that are used by industries and municipalities to analyze the chemical, physical, and biological components of wastewater and other environmental samples that are required by regulations under the authority of the Clean Water Act.
More on methods for analyzing wastewater >>

Land

Cleanup technologies

Many technologies and tools are used to assess and monitor cleanups, and to remediate hazardous wastes.
More on cleanup science and technology >>

Land remediation and pollution control

EPA explores innovative solutions to current and future land pollution problems. Programs include: field evaluation and demonstration of innovative technologies; verification of externally-acquired data; development and testing of management techniques and disposal practices for municipal waste sites; and a strong technical assistance capability for both Superfund and non-Superfund contamination.
More on land remediation and pollution control >>

Innovations for hazardous waste remediation

Learn about more effective, less costly approaches to field sampling and analysis and management (treatment and containment) of contaminated soil and groundwater. <br />
More on innovations for hazardous waste remediation >>

EPA scientist feeding spore-containing building waste into a rotary kiln, as part of an examination of methods to dispose of wastes from facilities contaminated with biological agents.

Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) - The Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) program develops test protocols and verifies the performance of innovative technologies that have the potential to improve protection of human health and the environment.
Measurement and Monitoring - Environmental monitoring is a critical component of Agency decision making. Learn about sampling and measurement methodology; monitoring study design; laboratory accreditation; EPA's measurement science research program; and Agency measurement science policy directives and initiatives.
Models - EPA uses models to increase the level of understanding about natural systems and the way in which they react to varying conditions, including the spread of toxic substances in various media, the short- and long-term effects of exposure to hazardous substances, and other forms of prediction and risk assessment. Models provide important technical support to EPA and state decision makers in their development and enforcement of guidelines and regulations.
Partnerships for Safer Chemistry: Design for the Environment (DfE) - The DfE program uses chemical assessment tools and expertise to create safer and more efficient chemical materials, processes and technologies.
Technology Innovation for Environmental and Economic Progress - EPA is promoting innovative initiatives that eliminate or significantly reduce the use of toxic substances and exposure to pollutants in the environment and also promote growth of the American economy.
Test Methods - Test methods are procedures to measure the presence and concentration of physical and chemical pollutants; to evaluate properties, such as toxic properties, of chemical substances; or to measure the effects of substances under various conditions.