In accordance with the EMA Act 2000, the general functions are to:

• (a) make recommendations for a National Environment Policy;
• (b) develop and implement policies and programmes for the effective management and wise use of the environment, consistent with the objects of the EM Act;
• (c) co-ordinate environmental management functions performed by persons in Trinidad and Tobago;
• (d) make recommendations for the rationalization of all governmental entities performing environmental functions;
• (e) promote educational and public awareness programs on the environment
• (f) develop and establish national environmental standards and criteria;
• (g) monitor compliance with the standards criteria and programs relating to the environment;
• (h) take all appropriate action for the prevention and control of pollution and conservation of the environment;
• (i) establish and co-ordinate institutional linkages locally, regionally and internationally;
• (j) perform such other functions as are prescribed; and
• (k) undertake anything incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the foregoing functions.

In performing its functions, the Authority shall facilitate co-operation among persons and manage the environment in a manner, which fosters participation and promotes consensus, including the encouragement and use of appropriate means to avoid or expeditiously resolve disputes through mechanism for alternative dispute resolution.

The EMA fulfils these functions through:

• Administering environmental education programs through schools and sponsoring competitions that foster such education.
• Conducting analyses of air, soil and water to determine program priorities.
• Issue Certificates of Environmental Clearance to new development projects that may impact the environment; in some cases an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) may be a requirement of the developer.
• Monitoring compliance with the standards in the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2001 and processing variations for persons wishing to exceed standards.
• Provide for the designation and protection of environmentally sensitive areas and species.
• Resolving complaints through voluntary compliance, support to other agencies or enforcement of rules.
• Responding to emergency incidents and spills in conjunction with other government agencies. Provides technical and investigative support to response teams.
• Conducting public awareness campaigns to change attitudes and behaviour toward the environment.
• Assist the Government in implementing global and regional environmental agreements including:
  • The Convention on Biodiversity.
  • The Montreal Protocol on ODS.
  • The Basel Convention.
  • Convention on Climate Change.
• Providing advice to other government agencies, NGOs and individuals on environmental matters.
• Maintaining a large and diverse information centre to support the above programs.