EPA announces 2015 Clean Air Excellence Awards winners

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the winners of its 2015 Clean Air Excellence Awards on Monday, recognizing government agencies, businesses, partnerships, public education programs and tribal initiatives for their work toward cleaner air and climate protection.

“Communities across the country have cleaner air and better protected health thanks to these award-winning programs,” acting Assistant Administrator for the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation Janet McCabe said. “We’re celebrating Earth Day a little early by recognizing these cutting-edge efforts to educate their communities, cut harmful air pollution, improve public health and make our environment healthier and more sustainable.”

This year’s winners are Penske Truck Leasing, CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas, The Air Quality Partnership of the Delaware Valley, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Sonoma County and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. The actions resulting in these top honors include the adoption of hybrid vehicles and the use of alternative fuels, promotion of transit alternatives like walking or biking, and increased regulation on oil and gas development.

The Clean Air Excellence Awards were created in 2000 and honor those who have taken risks, served as pioneers or increased public knowledge of air pollution.