DALLAS - (April 21, 2015) This week, the E.P.A. (EPA) has recognized the CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas for their work on clean air and climate initiatives. The 2015 Clean Air Excellence Award acknowledges innovative state, local, tribal, and private sector programs that protect health and the environment, educate the public, serve their communities and boost the economy.
"Communities across the country have cleaner air and better protected health thanks to these award-winning programs," said Janet McCabe, acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "We're celebrating Earth Day a little early by recognizing these cutting-edge efforts to educate their communities, cut harmful air pollution, enhance public health and make our environment healthier and more sustainable."
CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas is one of 7 organizations being recognized nationwide. The group was acknowledged in the Community Action category for their Clean Air Partners Program. To address harmful ground-level ozone, the group recruited 6 major employers to reduce emissions through strategies such as encouraging alternative commutes and use of cleaner fleets. The plan has removed about 10,000 commutes from Central Texas roads.
Other winners include an innovative public education plan in the Delaware Valley to comprehensive air quality and health services for Alaskan tribes. All the award winners have demonstrated a commitment to protecting health, reducing air pollution and addressing climate change. This year's winners are:
Clean Air Technology
Penske Truck Leasing - Clean Air Technology Commitment - Penske Truck Leasing Co. LLP
Community Action
Clean Air Partners Plan - CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas
Club Ride Commuter Services - Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Education and Outreach
Air Quality Partnership of the Delaware Valley - Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
Regulatory and Policy Innovations
Oil and Gas Emission Reduction Initiative - Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Transportation Efficiency Innovations
Fleet Hybrid Electric and All Electric Vehicle Plan - Co. of Sonoma Fleet Operations
Gregg Cooke Visionary Plan Award
Environmental Health Consultation - Tribal Air Quality Plan - Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
The awards program, established in 2000 at the recommendation of the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee, acknowledges and recognizes both individuals and organizations that have undertaken the risks of innovation, served as pioneers in their fields, advanced public understanding of air pollution and improved air quality. Entries are judged by E.P.A. and the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee, and winners will be acknowledged at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 21, 2015.
More information:
http://www.epa.gov/air/cleanairawards/index.html
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