What is the term for the delegation of regulatory authority from the EPA to state environmental agencies?

• A. Primacy
• B. Delegation
• C. Devolution
• D. Oversight

Answer: (A)

Primacy is the term for when the EPA grants a state environmental agency the primary authority to implement and enforce federal environmental programs. With primacy, the state issues permits, conducts inspections, and enforces violations under the program, while the EPA retains overall oversight and can step in or revoke primacy if the state fails to meet federal standards. This arrangement lets states tailor day-to-day administration to local conditions while still meeting national requirements. It differs from delegation (simply handing off duties), devolution (shifting powers to local levels), and oversight (federal supervision without transferring primary enforcement authority). In practice, states like Texas operate many programs under primacy through the state environmental agency, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.