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EPA recognizes two Nevada environmental partners

Release Date: 8/27/2004
Contact Information: Laura Gentile, 415-947-4227

19 Companies nationwide join Performance Track program

SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced two Nevada companies as its newest members of the National Environmental Performance Track Program.

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.

Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina, a subsidiary of Forever Resorts, is located in Searchlight, Nev. within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The Resort and Marina have committed to cut energy use by 40,000 kilowatt hours -- or 12 percent -- of the facility's total energy use.

Black Canyon Willow Beach River Adventures LLC, also a subsidiary of Forever Resorts, leads boat tours and operates a marina and general store within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The company is expanding the facility's recycling program and customer education and has committed to cutting non-hazardous solid waste by two and half tons -- from 18.4 to 16.9 tons.

"We applaud these companies for making a substantial commitment to environmental leadership, partnership and stewardship," said Wayne Nastri, the U.S. EPA's regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest region. "I know that over the next three years the commitment these companies have made to Performance Track will have measurable benefits for the environment."

Performance Track members represent a diverse cross-section of the economy, such as electronics, medical and chemical products, machinery, pharmaceuticals, transportation equipment, and wood products. Participating facilities receive a low priority status for routine inspections; reduced regulatory, administrative and reporting burdens; and public recognition. These benefits translate to greater efficiency and reduced costs for both Performance Track facilities and environmental regulators.

Launched in June 2000, Performance Track has quickly grown and now has more than 300 members from 45 states and Puerto Rico. 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.

Performance Track currently Membership terms are three years, in which participants must submit annual performance reports outlining their progress. For more information, please visit: www.epa.gov/performancetrack/.