The US Department of Defense (dod) wants further exemptions from public health and environment laws in view of the country's military involvement in Iraq and the us-led war against terrorism. But environmentalists allege this is merely a part of the Bush administration's ploy to roll back environmental safeguards.

The dod is seeking that rules under the Clean Air Act; Resource Conservation & Recovery Act; and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund law) be waived to facilitate its