ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN ASHCROFT'S STATEMENT ON EARTH DAY

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Attorney General John Ashcroft issued the following statement regarding today's Earth Day celebration:

"Today, people all over the world join to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of Earth Day. Americans understand that all of us have a role to play in preserving and protecting the natural beauty and resources that have been given to our nation.

"The Department of Justice is strongly committed to enforcing and defending our nation's environmental laws. In the last few months alone, the Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division has successfully concluded several cases that will bring to justice criminals who have violated laws that prohibit wildlife smuggling, pollution dumping and fraudulent environmental testing. The Justice Department has also worked tirelessly to assure that our citizens will breathe cleaner air, enjoy purer water and live in healthier and safer neighborhoods.

"Our dedication to environmental enforcement and protection of our natural resources will continue to result in benefits that the American people can celebrate throughout the year, not just on Earth Day."

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