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From Children's Rap Songs to California Ports, EPA Honors Winners of Eighth Annual Clean Air Excellence Awards

Release Date: 05/28/2008
Contact Information: Dave Ryan, (202) 564-4355 / ryan.dave@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. - May 28, 2008) What do two California ports, a company that produced the first diesel electric hybrid tugboat, and an university in Georgia have in common? All are dedicated to excellence in achieving clean air, and tonight they are among the 11 winners of the eighth annual Clean Air Excellence Awards. This year's award winners will be recognized by EPA for their outstanding accomplishments in improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

"This year's Clean Air Excellence Award winners' dedication to creating a cleaner tomorrow is truly a breath of fresh air," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "From local to state governments, companies to citizen groups, these award-winners are helping EPA deliver healthier air and healthier lives to all Americans."

The Clean Air Excellence Awards recognize and honor outstanding, innovative efforts that make progress in achieving cleaner air. The awards were established in 2000, at the recommendation of the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC), a senior-level policy group that advises EPA on implementing the Clean Air Act.

There are four categories of awards: clean air technology, community action, education/outreach, and regulatory policy innovations, with one additional special award for individual achievement.

This year's winners:

Clean Air Technology
Foss Hybrid Tugboat, Foss Maritime Company introduced the first hybrid tugboat that uses a diesel engine and batteries to run more efficiently.

Use of Catalytic Materials for Improved Operation in Abatements of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the Semiconductor Industry, Texas Instruments, Texas, and Matros Technologies, Missouri.

Community Action
Project Green Fleet, The Minnesota Environmental Initiative reduced children's exposure to school bus diesel emissions by retrofitting hundreds of busses.

Northern Wood Power Project, Public Services of New Hampshire reduced coal consumption and air emissions by changing a coal-burning boiler for a wood-burning boiler.

Education/Outreach
Life is a Breath of Fresh Air, Alabama, Auntie Litter, Inc. has educated the community on the harmful effects of low-level ozone and particle pollution through youth-targeted outreach, such as children's rap music and skits.

Spare the Air in Greenville County, South Carolina, Greenville County's education outreach has implemented a campaign to improve air quality through multiple media outlets, such as public presentations and booths at festivals.

Drive Clean Across Texas Campaign, Texas Department of Transportation & Texas Commission on Environmental Quality promotes improvements in air quality through behavioral changes of drivers.

Georgia Radon Education Program, The University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences prevents radon-induced lung cancer through education, testing, and the reduction of radon in indoor air.

Regulatory/Policy Innovations
Gila River Indian Community Air Quality Management Plan, Arizona, The Gila River Indian Community Department of Environmental Quality Air Quality Program Team is the first tribe in the U.S. to develop a multi-program Air Quality Management Plan to regulate air quality.

San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, California, The Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles have created a five-year action plan that outlines strategies to reduce air emissions and associated health risks from port-related sources.

Thomas W. Zosel Outstanding Individual Achievement Award
Dr. Joseph T. Ling, Dr. Ling is being celebrated for his holistic approach to environmental management.

For more information about this year's awards ceremony, visit: epa.gov/air/caaac/recipients.html