Too many people think the Environmental Protection Agency is just a power-hungry bureaucracy full of people who want to regulate productive economic activity into submission. No, no, no! The EPA is so much more than just seizing control of carbon dioxide or undermining the rule of law by revoking already granted mine permits.

It’s a trusted adviser on all your local parking and housing concerns, as in, “EPA Offers Proven Solutions to Support Sustainable Community Goals“:

EPA will work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to select 20 participating communities through a competitive process. During the day-long session, participants will explore proven sustainability tools, including zoning code reviews, walkability assessments, parking policy analysis, climate action planning, and commuter benefits. Each community will select a specific tool to focus on and also learn about general smart growth development strategies.

It’s the wise, well-informed commentator on local shopping needs in Hawaii. “U.S. EPA applauds Maui and Kauai for decision to ban plastic shopping bags“:

01/27/11) HONOLULU – The US Environmental Protection Agency today applauds the Mayors, County Councils and residents of Maui and Kauai counties in Hawaii for enacting restrictions banning plastic shopping bags – reducing their waste and protecting the environment in a single action.

“The leadership shown by the Counties of Maui and Kauai in banning these bags will help keep their environments pristine,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest.

It’s the agency that balms the wounds of America’s democracy with cash, i.e., “Environmental Justice Grants Now Available.”

Environmental justice means the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race or income, in the environmental decision-making process. Environmental justice issues often involve multiple sources of contamination, like pollution from several industrial facilities within one neighborhood, environmental hazards at the workplace or home, or contamination resulting from the consumption of fish or other foods.

Oh, just like pollution, except with a class consciousness.

What doesn’t the EPA do?