WASHINGTON, DC – Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Chairman of the Environment & Public Works Committee, issued the following statement today commemorating Earth Day 2004, and dispelling a clear myth espoused by environmental groups regarding the quality of the nation’s environment:

“Under the leadership of President Bush the air has become cleaner, water purer, and our lands are better protected. But you will not hear that today from the many radical environmental groups who would rather use faulty science and scare tactics to frighten the American public – instead of joining to celebrate the great accomplishments we have made to make our country cleaner.”

Inhofe cites declining air quality as one clear myth environmental groups use to mislead the public. The fact is it is getting better, and it continues to get better under President Bush:

From 1970 to 2002, aggregate emissions of the six principal pollutants have been cut by 48 percent – almost in half. During this same time, U.S. gross domestic product increased 164 percent, energy consumption increased 42 percent, vehicle miles traveled increased 155 percent, and population grew by 38 percent.

In addition, President Bush has called for passage of his Clear Skies legislation, the biggest emission reduction plan ever proposed by an American President. Over 14 years, it would reduce emissions from power plants of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and mercury emissions from power plants by 70 percent.

“The focus is of this Administration, and our Committee, is on results. Using sound science and data to inform our decision-making to help make our air, water, and land cleaner. We should not engage in scare tactics, misleading advertising, or election year posturing to hold up legislation and policies that can truly help build upon the decades long record of environmental improvement in the United States.”