The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched a national program designed to motivate and reward top environmental performance by companies and public agencies. Under the National Environmental Performance Track program, which was based in part on a similar program developed by EPA New England, EPA will reward facilities whose environmental performance exceeds minimum regulatory requirements and who take extra steps to reduce and prevent pollution.
The new program in many ways mirrors EPA New England’s StarTrack Program, in which participating facilities have set the pace in demonstrating ways to better protect the public health and the environment. Under the Performance Track program, benefits for participants will include national recognition, regulatory and administrative flexibility, a more cooperative relationship with EPA, a reduction in record-keeping and reporting requirements, and flexibility in meeting certain regulatory requirements.
The National Environmental Performance Track creates a system that recognizes performance at two levels, called Environmental Achievement and Environmental Stewardship. The National Environmental Achievement Track facilities are top environmental performers. They have a systematic approach to managing environmental responsibilities and take extra steps to prevent pollution and to be good corporate citizens. The National Environmental Stewardship track, which is still being developed, is for companies that are helping to define best practices within their industries and are leading the way in protection of the environment.
There are two deadlines for application: Sept. 1 for charter applicants, who will be notified in November and who will receive additional recognition benefits, and Sept. 30, for notification in December. More information, including application forms and instructions, is available at: http://www.epa.gov/performancetrack. E-mail inquiries can be directed to: track@indecon.com.
Companies interested in learning more about the program have been invited to a Performance Track workshop being held from 8:30 am to Noon Aug. 2 at EPA New England’s office in Boston. Anyone interested in attending can call Marge Miranda at EPA (617-918-1825).
From the Daily Regulatory Reporter
