EPA Says Corporate Performance with Environment 'Right on Track'

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) companies that are dedicated to continuously improving environmental and public health should be awarded with special incentives. The EPA's new National Environmental Performance Track Program fosters this way of thinking among today's corporate leaders, by encouraging continuous ecological improvement.

"From Wall Street to Main Street , President Bush and EPA are changing the way individuals and organizations think about their role in protecting our shared environment," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By committing to conservation, America 's leading companies are proving that doing what's good for the environment is also good for business."

The Performance Track participants come from such diverse industries as manufacturers of paper, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals; healthcare. These organizations a result receive recognition on both local and national levels, and low inspection status. All participants also have access to senior EPA officials , a network of members to share best practices with, in addition to EPA regulatory changes, helping to ease reporting requirements and reduce other administrative costs.

The Performance Track Program recognizes facilities that work with their communities, set three-year goals for continuous improvements in environmental performance beyond regulatory compliance, and have internal systems in place to manage their environmental impacts. Since the program's inception in 2000, Performance Track membership has grown to 400 members in 46 states and Puerto Rico , with a total of 1,500 commitments to the environment.

To date, Performance Track members have collectively reduced their water use by 1.9 billion gallons, conserved nearly 9,000 acres of land and increased their use of recycled materials by nearly 120,000 tons all while saving money and helping to protect the planet.

For more information, visit www.epa.gov.