On January 28, 2010, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina issued a news release announcing a district-wide environmental crimes initiative.  The goal of this working group is to enhance the effectiveness of the criminal justice system by improving cooperation and coordination of law enforcement agencies at all levels.  The honorable Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division stated that "this task force will allow federal, state and local law enforcement in North Carolina to achieve even greater protection of the treasured environment of North Carolina through the joint investigation and prosecution of environmental crimes."  The Eastern District of North Carolina is comprised of the 44 easternmost counties of the State.  News releases from the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina can be viewed here.