News Releases from Region 09

Southern Nevadas Club Ride Commuter Service Wins EPA Honor

SAN FRANCISCO - This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is honoring Club Ride Commuter Services with its 2015 Clean Air Excellence Award for their commuter program designed to improve air quality and encourage commute alternatives such as riding transit, carpooling, vanpooling, walking, bicycling, working compressed work weeks, and telecommuting.

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.

"With over one million clean commute trips reported this year, Club Ride has saved Nevadans $1.6 million in commuting costs," said Jared Blumenfeld Regional Administrator for EPA's Pacific Southwest Office. "Southern Nevadans breathe cleaner air thanks to this award-winning program."

"We have been working diligently with community partners to create a cleaner, more sustainable Southern Nevada," said Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada general manager Tina Quigley. "We are proud to receive this great accolade and to share it with our partners as we continue to improve the quality of life for the millions of residents and visitors to Southern Nevada."

Club Ride is a free program of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada designed to improve air quality and encourage commute alternatives such as riding transit, carpooling, vanpooling, walking, bicycling, working compressed work weeks, and telecommuting. Club Ride partners with nearly 300 employers and more than 24,000 registered commuters in Clark County to meet these goals.

Club Ride's efforts improved air quality and overall quality of life. Club Ride's additional 2014 highlights include: 59 tons of carbon monoxide emissions reduced; 2,324 tons of greenhouse gases reduced; 5.9 million miles removed from the road; and welcomed 10,287 new commuters to the program.

Club Ride recognizes the unique 24-hour workforce in Clark County and has tailored their program to meet the needs of each employer. Outreach coordinators conduct over 650 worksite and community events every year, including health fairs, orientations, and special events such as Bike Week and Earth Day.

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.

This year's other award winners are:

More information: http://www.epa.gov/air/cleanairawards/index.html