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EPA to Recognizes metro area companies for efforts to cut air pollution and relieve traffic jams

Release Date: 10/10/2002
Contact Information:
EPA 202-564-7824,

Release Date: 10/10/2002
Contact Information:
EPA 734-214-4401,

Release Date: 10/10/2002
Contact Information:
EPA 303-312-6603,

Release Date: 10/10/2002
Contact Information:
EPA 800-227-8917
Denver -- The Environmental Protection Agency today recognized Front Range employers and the City of Boulder’s Downtown Management Commission for their participation in the Agency’s Commuter Choice Leadership Initiative (CCLI) and their recent commitment to offer workers environmentally responsible commuter benefits.

Commuter Choice Employers meet a National Standard of Excellence by providing workers benefits such as transit and vanpool subsidies, compressed work schedules, telecommuting opportunities, or the option of receiving cash instead of a free parking space. While helping to reduce air pollution, improve traffic congestion, and cut dependency on foreign oil, Commuter Choice Employers also benefit their own bottom line through lower parking expenses and improved employee recruitment and retention incentives.

The CCLI is a voluntary program sponsored by EPA and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Several metro area companies have become Commuter Choice Employers, including: Bank One; City of Boulder; Colorado State Attorney General’s Office; Encoda Systems; Freberg Environmental; IBM, Boulder; and Johns Manville. Additionally, the Downtown Boulder District became the nation’s first Commuter Choice District with the Boulder Downtown Management Commission’s decision to offer key commuter benefits to more than 1,000 employers and their 10,000 employees.

Colorado companies have taken the lead in offering commuter benefits, which help improve air quality and the quality of life of in the metro area. The recently added employees covered through the Downtown Boulder District, along with existing partners, bring the total to nearly 50,000 Colorado workers covered by commuter benefits.

“Partners like these new Commuter Choice Employers are leaders in the Denver community,” said Robbie Roberts, EPA’s Denver based Regional Administrator. “By becoming a Commuter Choice Employer, companies have made a commitment to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality today and for the future.”

EPA has designated Denver/Boulder, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Philadelphia as key cities for recruiting Commuter Choice Employers. Although Denver offers a growing commuter-friendly environment, the area remains car-dependent, with 76 percent of workers commuting to work alone. Denver also has one of the longest rush hour delays in the country costing each commuter 67 hours annually sitting in their cars during rush-hour. It also translates into more than $1,200 in wasted fuel costs per driver.

“Commuter Choice Employers represent the best of environmental cooperation, showing that a healthy balance sheet and a healthy environment can go hand in hand,’’ Roberts said. “I hope their leadership encourages others to take advantage of this extraordinary partnership opportunity. These efforts will ensure a smoother ride to work and a cleaner environment for generations to come.”

For more information on the Commuter Choice Leadership Initiative and to see a complete listing of the Commuter ChoiceSM Employers log on to www.comuterchoice.gov.