The National Defense Center for Environmental Excellence opened its doors in 1991 with a $5 million earmark from a powerful lawmaker. Operating in Johnstown, Pa., the privately run center has received at least $671 million worth of federal contracts and earmarks since then to research and develop pollution-abatement technology and other systems for the Defense Department. Johnstown has sold its soul to Murtha. It is the more dependent on government work and contracts than any place outside of Washington DC and most of it is worthless earmarked money. That is why Murtha is untouchable. The town hates his politics but loves his pork.