EPA administers the:

• Environment Protection Act 1970
• Environment Protection Act 2017
• National Environment Protection Council (Victoria) Act 1995
• Pollution of Waters by Oil and Noxious Substances Act 1986 (jointly).

Subordinate legislation sits under the Environment Protection Act 1970. This allows EPA to regulate pollution and waste that impacts human health and the environment.

Subordinate legislation aims to protect air, water and land. It also covers noise, waste and serious chemical hazards. It includes:

• State Environment Protection Policies (SEPPs)
• Waste Management Policies (WMPs)
• Regulations
• Notifiable Chemical Orders (NCOs).

EPA regulates industry’s greenhouse gas emissions as part of protecting air quality. When we make a works approval or licensing decision, we look at industry’s potential to impact climate change.

EPA must also uphold certain legislation. This includes laws that deal with:

• disability in the workplace
• freedom of information
• gifts, benefits and hospitality
• privacy, including privacy on our website and privacy on the EPA Interaction Portal
• workplace conduct and public interest disclosures. 

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Acts administered by EPA

Legislation hierarchy

New laws

EPA's new tools and powers