Central Texas Group Among Clean Air and Climate Initiatives to Win EPA Honors

From #EPA:

Central Texas Group Among Clean Air and Climate Initiatives to Win EPA Honors

Contact: Jennah Durant or Joe Hubbard at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov.  

DALLAS – (April 21, 2015) This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has honored the CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas for their work on clean air and climate initiatives. The 2015 Clean Air Excellence Award recognizes 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, improve public health and make our environment healthier and more sustainable.”

CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas is one of seven organizations being honored nationwide. The group was recognized in the Community Action category for their Clean Air Partners Program. To address harmful ground-level ozone, the group recruited six major employers to reduce emissions through strategies such as encouraging alternative commutes and use of cleaner fleets. The program has removed about 10,000 commutes from Central Texas roads.

Other winners include an innovative public education program 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 Program – 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 Program – County of Sonoma Fleet Operations

Gregg Cooke Visionary Program Award

Environmental Health Consultation - Tribal Air Quality Program – Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

The awards program, established in 2000 at the recommendation of the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee, recognizes and honors 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 EPA and the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee, and winners will be recognized 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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