Join left-right and center host Bob Shear for his new podcast, Shear Intelligence. The twice-monthly

podcast features thinkers and trendsetters in conversation with one of political journalism's leading voices.

Through the show's unique and sometimes surprising perspectives, you'll get up to speed on the

current issues shaping the Beltway and the world. Find sheer

intelligence on KCRW's iTunes page. From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International,

this is To the Point. Public health and public accountability.

Hello again, I'm Robin Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International.

The daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

The Environmental Protection Agency was established during the Nixon administration 45 years ago

to protect human health and the environment. But recent

crises in Michigan, West Virginia, and California have raised questions about whether it's up to the

job. It's accused of dragging its feet and failing to warn the public about poison water supplies

and massive emissions of greenhouse gases. Does it lack authority, resources, and leadership, or simple competence?

Today's talking point, Nicholas Christoff of the New York Times,

on a Nobel Prize winner who presides over concentration camps.

First, here's the news.

Listen to KCRW's 24-hour all-news channel, stream BBC World Service, NPRW and KCRW programs, continuous coverage and accessible via our smartphone app or online at KCRW.com.

Support for To the Point comes from the members of KCRW and from the Public Radio International Program Fund.

Hello again, I'm on.

I'm back with To the Poet.

Corporations and politicians of both parties accuse the EPA of stifling the economy with

excessive regulations.

...