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EPA recognizes new Arizona environmental Performance Track members

Release Date: 8/22/2003
Contact Information: Wendy L. Chavez, (415) 947-4248

25  companies join the program nationwide
   
     SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced three new Arizona members selected to join the National Environmental Performance Track program.
   
     The Grand Canyon National Park, Xanterra Parks and Resorts, and Verkamps at the Grand Canyon National Park were selected, along with 25 other companies nationwide.
   
     The voluntary program recognizes top environmental performers in the public and private sector that go beyond compliance with environmental regulations and publicly commit to specific environmental improvements over the next three years.  Facilities recognized in this program consistently meet their legal requirements, implement environmental management systems, voluntarily achieve environmental improvements beyond compliance and report on progress.
   
     "These companies have made a substantial commitment to environmental leadership, partnership and stewardship," said Wayne Nastri, the EPA's regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest.  "I know that over the next three years the commitment these companies have made to Performance Track will have measurable benefits for the environment."
   
     The Grand Canyon National Park is the first national park to join the Performance Track program.  The park encompasses 1.2 million acres, has over 4.4 million visitors annually, and employs over 500 during peak summer months.  It has committed to reducing its solid waste by 500 tons, or 25 percent, by 2005.  
     
     Xanterra Parks and Resorts, under contract with the National Park Service,  provides the concessionaire support services for the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.  The company's operations primarily consist of hotels (907 rooms), retail, food and beverage, and transportation activities.  Xanterra has committed to reducing 500 pounds of greenhouse gases (5 percent) through energy efficiency projects and will purchase alternative fuel vehicles.  
   
     Verkamps at the Grand Canyon National Park, a concessionaire on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, owns and operates a gift and souvenir shop featuring local Native American artists.  The company has committed to reducing solid waste by 200 pounds (10 percent).  
   
     Launched in June 2000, Performance Track now has 329 members. Current Performance Track companies have committed to lowering emissions of greenhouse gases by 26 million pounds; reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds by 98,000 pounds; reducing solid waste by 225 million pounds; and recycling or reusing more than five million pounds of materials.
For more information about Performance Track, visit: https://www.epa.gov/performancetrack/