United States Department of Defense

         Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul D. Wolfowitz will recognize the winners of the 2003 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards during a ceremony in the Pentagon Center Courtyard, Wednesday, May 5, at 3 p.m. EDT. 

         Immediately following the awards ceremony Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Installations and Environment, Ray DuBois, and the Assistant Deputy for Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health, Alex Beehler, will hold a media availability.  During the press session, DuBois and Beehler will address questions regarding DoD's Readiness and Range Preservation Initiative (RRPI).  RRPI is a package of three legislative proposals contained in the President's fiscal 2005 budget request.  The proposals seek to tighten current environmental laws that allow unnecessary legal challenges that threaten the military's access and use of its test and training facilities.

        The point of contact for media coverage of these events is Glenn Flood, (703) 695-6294.

        Information on the environmental awards and RRPI is available at https://www.denix.osd.mil .