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EPA, D.C. sign agreement to focus efforts on city’s top environmental matters

Release Date: 10/02/2009
Contact Information: Terri White, white.terri-a@epa.gov, 215-814-5523

(WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2009) In a signing ceremony today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the District Department of the Environment agreed to focus their resources and environmental protection efforts in five key areas for improving quality of life in the District.

EPA and local officials gathered at DDOE, where the two agencies signed a Performance Partnership Agreement that will guide their collaboration on environmental priorities over the next two years.

“This agreement formalizes EPA’s commitment to working with the Department of the Environment to enhance environmental protection and human health in the District,” said William C. Early, acting administrator of EPA’s mid-Atlantic region. “This spirit of cooperation has enabled us to make strides in how the District manages its environmental programs, and we expect our partnership and resulting outcomes to flourish.”

“With this agreement, the bond on environmental protection between our federal and local governments has never been stronger," said DDOE Director George S. Hawkins. “As today is my last day in office as director, I'm thrilled to leave with a joint commitment that advances priorities first expressed to me more than two years ago by Mayor Adrian Fenty, and that puts in place a dynamic action plan for our future management team.”

EPA presented two plaques recognizing Hawkins and the DDOE for leadership and dedication in improving public health and the environment in the nation’s capitol.

The EPA/DDOE partnership agreement targets five areas for collaboration:

· Restoring the District’s watersheds including the Anacostia, Potomac, and Rock Creek by developing an approach that considers all sources of
pollution.
· Implementing the Green DC Agenda and showcasing the District for its green programs.
· Addressing health risks to sensitive populations such as children and the elderly and assessing Environmental Justice issues impacting low income
citizens.
· Updating obscure and outdated environmental regulations and developing new ones.
· Enhancing public education and outreach to foster more environmentally-informed citizens.

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