DOD leader cites department's environmental record Published April 22, 2004 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Department of Defense is a good steward of America's environmental heritage, a top DOD official said.April 22 is Earth Day, and the department has had a stellar record on the environment, said Ray DuBois, deputy undersecretary of defense for installations and environment."There are awards that have been made to posts, camps and stations all over the country," Mr. Dubois said. DOD manages the health of about 300 endangered species on the "very bio-diverse 30 million acres which we manage in the United States."The Air Force and Army have been recognized for their work, for example, in saving the red-cockaded woodpecker in the Southeast.The department dedicates nearly $4 billion a year on environmental programs."Clearly this obligation is taken seriously by this department," he said. (Courtesy of American Forces Press Service)