2004 Progress Report
Table of Contents | Download Document [PDF 2 MB, 28 pp]
Message from the Regional Administrator
I am pleased to present the EPA Region 2 Progress Report. This report
describes the national goals of EPA that help to preserve and protect
our natural environment and the health of the people who live and work
in our communities, and some of the many regional initiatives that respond
to those goals.
The purview of EPA Region 2 consists of New York, New Jersey, Puerto
Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and seven Indian Nations. We are not the
largest region in the nation in terms of geography, but we are certainly
one of the most densely populated and among the most diverse. More than
31 million people reside in our region.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was founded 35 years ago. Since
that time, we have taken many important and lasting steps to protect and
enhance the quality of the air, land and water around us. Today our air
is cleaner, our land is better preserved and our water is safer to drink.
Weve come a long way in a relatively short period.
Despite the progress made, however, there is more to be done. In our
region, we still have areas where there is undrinkable water, polluted
air and tainted land. Together with our federal, state and local partners,
we are working hard every day to improve the environment, peoples
health and the quality of their lives.
Environmental stewardship is everyones responsibility. I invite you to review this report and find out about the work we are doing and how you might participate in the process of protecting our environment.