The EPA administers the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994. Because EMPCA is an integral part of Tasmania's Resource Management and Planning System (RMPS), the EPA must seek to further the objectives of the RMPS which are:
- to promote the sustainable development of natural and physical resources and the maintenance of ecological processes and genetic diversity
- to provide for the fair, orderly and sustainable use and development of air, land and water
- to encourage public involvement in resource management and planning
- to facilitate economic development in accordance with the objectives set out above
- to promote the sharing of responsibility for resource management and planning between the different spheres of government, the community and industry in the State
The mechanisms by which the EPA seeks to further the objectives of sustainability and sustainable development, within the RMPS system are:
- considering the implications of development proposals, and applying conditions to prevent environmental harm, within the broader context of their implications for sustainable development;
- supporting and promoting activities which are recognised as essential for the sustainability of our society into the future, including energy efficiency, waste minimisation and recycling, the circular economy,resource efficiency, education and innovation
- through offering other incentives, such as awards, that further these objectives.