Federal Agencies

 

Department of Agriculture is responsible primarily for matters relating to food and food production. Also protects natural resources. Includes:

Forest Service manages our National Forests and Grasslands. Includes:

• Natural Resources Conservation Service works with landowners on private lands to conserve natural resources.
• Farm Service Agency supports farmers and helps them conserve resources.
• Food and Consumer Service runs the Food Stamp Program and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Department of Commerce works with the business community to foster economic growth and the creation of new American jobs. Includes:

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts changes in the Earth’s environment and conserves the nation’s coastal and marine resources to ensure sustainable economic opportunities. Runs the National Weather Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Department of Energy promotes efficiency in energy use, diversity in energy sources, a stronger economy, improved environmental quality and a secure national defense. Includes:

• The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy works to develop renewable and efficient energy technologies that are cost-effective.
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a federal lab that researches alternative energy sources.

Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. Includes:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is responsible for preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability.
• Food and Drug Administration is responsible for ensuring that foods, drugs, medical products, cosmetics and electronic devices are safe to use and accurately represented.
• National Institute of Health is one of the world’s foremost biomedical research centers.

Department of the Interior is charged with protecting and providing access to the nation’s natural and cultural heritage and honoring its trust responsibilities to tribes. Includes:

• Bureau of Land Management manages what remains of the public domain — about one-eighth of the nation’s land.
• National Park Service manages the country’s National Parks.
• Indian Affairs administers federal programs for Indian tribes and promotes Indian self-determination.
• Office of Surface Mining protects citizens and the environment during coal mining and reclamation.
• U.S. Geological Survey provides geologic, topographic, and hydrologic information needed for the wise management of the nation’s natural resources.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conserves, protects, and enhances fish and wildlife and their habitats. Runs the National Wildlife Refuge System and the Endangered Species Program.

Environmental Protection Agency works with state and local governments to fight pollution.

NASA’s Observatorium offers amazing images, movies and information on planets, stars, space and weather.