But it remains unclear how aggressively the department would defend a suit like the one filed this week by Idaho Gov. Kempthorn. Activists say the new lawsuit underscores the importance of the attorney general's office in the enforcement of environmental laws, a crucial role that they say is too often ignored by many environmental groups and the media. Though much of the opposition to Ashcroft has come from civil rights and abortion rights groups, environmental activists have also joined the fight against the former Missouri senator's nomination. Schiffer says funding levels may provide the best clues about the new administration's commitment to enforcement of environmental regulations. While budgets for various agencies may remain at similar levels in terms of overall resources, she says, it is not uncommon to underfund the enforcement wing of the agency as a way of defanging it.
Resources have an effect on how much enforcement people can do.
In a number of states, budgets for environmental protection have been cut back. While not criticizing Ashcroft directly, Schiffer does express concern about maintaining her office's reputation within the environmental community for vigorously enforcing the nation's environmental laws. The public wants clean water, clean air and clean land. The actions that we take are in service of that very strong desire of the American people. That interest of the American people will be what assures strong environmental protection.