Environmental Policy Division (EPD) is a Division within the Department of the Environment. The Division's objective is to develop environmental policy and legislation which protects, conserves and enhances the natural environment and built heritage.

The Division is tasked with developing policy and drafting legislation on a broad range of environmental issues including waste management, water quality, natural and built heritage, air quality, biotechnology, noise and litter. Much of our work centres on transposing the requirements of European Community (EC) Environmental Directives into Northern Ireland law. We also have responsibility for developing the Government's Sustainable Development Strategy in Northern Ireland.

EPD works closely with colleagues in the Environment & Heritage Service Agency within the DOE. We also have close working ties with the Department of Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in GB, and the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales.