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EPA Observes National Environmental Crimes Prevention Week; April 13-19
Release Date: 04/18/2003
Contact Information:
John Millett 202-564-7842/millett.john@epa.gov
(04/18/03) EPA joined this week in observing the second annual “National Environmental Crimes Prevention Week,” April 13 to 19. National Environmental Crime Prevention Week is intended to educate the public on the seriousness of environmental criminal activity and increase the public’s awareness of the signs of environmental criminal activity. The annual observation is sponsored by the Regional Environmental Enforcement Associations, whose members include state environmental regulatory agencies, attorneys general offices, law enforcement agencies and local prosecutor organizations in the United States and Canada. EPA provides funding to the Associations for training, and assists them in enhancing their environmental enforcement programs. The Regional Associations promote the effective enforcement of state and local environmental statutes and regulations, with a strong emphasis on criminal enforcement. President Bush recently commended the nation’s environmental law enforcers for their, “innovative programs and cooperative efforts that help protect our natural resources.” In addition, EPA Administrator Christie Whitman praised the Associations’ focus on the next generation of environmental advocates and enforcers, middle school students. “By educating young people about environmental crime prevention, they can make a big impact for years to come in the fight against environmental pollution,” Whitman said. The week’s observance will kick off at the Regional Environmental Enforcement Associations national conference in San Antonio, Texas, April 14 to 18. This year, the Associations are focusing their public awareness campaign on students across the country. Members have prepared a video, a poster, and a comic book featuring cartoon characters to help students learn the signs of environmental crime and understand the importance of reporting suspicious activity to their parents or teachers. Class room activities also planned in every state. For more information on National Environmental Crimes Prevention Week, see: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/criminal/intergovernmental/preventweek.html
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