Contact: Cynthia Bergman 202-564-9828 / bergman.cynthia@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C.-January 6, 2005) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joins the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other partners in the emergency preparedness and response community in heralding the release of the National Response Plan.

Under DHS leadership, EPA and a broad coalition of experts from federal, state, local and tribal governments, as well as representatives from the private sector, contributed to the development of this landmark document. By incorporating a comprehensive all-hazards approach, the National Response Plan represents a significant milestone in the nation's ability to prepare for and respond to national disasters or terrorist attacks.

The National Response Plan unifies and reconciles several previous existing national response plans and systems, including the National Response System. Under the Plan, EPA provides response assistance for national emergencies involving releases of hazardous materials, including chemical, biological and radiological substances.

EPA has a great deal of experience effectively managing responses to emergencies involving the release of oil or hazardous substances. EPA has historically played a unique role in containing and removing hazardous contaminants from land and water, and ensuring protection of human health and the environment.

During 2005, EPA will join DHS and other federal, state, and local agencies in exercises designed to provide emergency planning and response officials with the opportunity to use the new NRP under various emergency scenarios. The unified and comprehensive framework provided by the NRP will be an essential part of these exercises and the overall effort to continuously improve the Nation's emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

For more information on the National Response Plan visit: http://www.dhs.gov .

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