February 23, 2004—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced 39 new facilities from 22 states and Puerto Rico for membership to the National Environmental Performance Track Program. PT rewards facilities that voluntarily exceed regulatory requirements, implement environmental management systems, work closely with their communities, and set three-year goals to continuously improve environmental performance.
New members include Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America; Hewlett-Packard in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, winner of the 2003 US EPA Environmental Quality Award for the Business and Industry Category in EPA Region 2; and Colonial Acres Golf Course of Glenmont, NY, the first golf course to join Performance Track.
In addition, EPA selected the Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado; and Zion Lodge, Bryce Canyon Lodge, and Grand Canyon Lodge—three facilities from the nation’s largest park management company, Xanterra Parks and Resorts. EPA also welcomes its newest municipal government facilities, from Eugene, Oregon, and Manassas, Virginia.
Several new members are part of organizations already participating in Performance Track. These organizations include 3M, Battelle, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Huntsman, International Paper, Lockheed Martin, Loctite, Rockwell Collins, and Ryder Transportation Services, which added five new facilities, extending its membership to seven locations.
Performance Track members represent a diverse cross-section of the economy. Participating facilities receive a low priority status for inspections; reduced regulatory, administrative, and reporting burdens; and public recognition. These benefits translate to greater efficiency and reduced costs, says EPA. PT currently has 344 members from 43 states and Puerto Rico. Each membership lasts for three years, and participants must submit annual performance reports outlining their progress during this time. For more information on the 39 new members visit EPA/Performance Track.
