Press Release

December 5, 2008
CARDIN AGAIN URGES DOD COMPLIANCE WITH EPA CLEANUP ORDER AT FORT MEADE
DOJ reinforces EPA's authority



Washington
, DC –
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works’ Superfund and Environmental Health Subcommittee, released the following statement today regarding the Justice Department notification to the Pentagon saying it has no legal authority to resist orders from the Environmental Protection Agency to clean up Fort Meade in Maryland.

“The Department of Defense (DOD) has lost its most recent stalling tactic to avoid compliance with EPA’s cleanup orders for Fort Meade and other locations. I am pleased that the Department of Justice has re-affirmed the authority Congress so clearly gave the EPA to determine what kind of cleanup actions are necessary at all Superfund sites, including Defense facilities. I urge DOD to act in a responsible manner and quickly sign a voluntary agreement with the EPA to detail and schedule what cleanup actions it will take and when. Such an agreement regarding Fort Meade and other sites is long overdue.”

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