All News Releases By Date

Bridgestone-Firestone of Graniteville, S.C., Recogized for Exemplary Environmental Performance

Release Date: 04/27/2004
Contact Information: Laura Niles, (404) 562-8353, [email protected]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Bridgestone-Firestone in Graniteville, South Carolina for excellence in environmental performance under the National Environmental Performance Track program. Bridgestone-Firestone was one of only four Performance Track members to receive an award for excellence in environmental performance. The principle evaluation criteria for the award includes progress made towards performance goals and the breadth and challenge level of the member's performance commitments. This evaluation was supplemented with consideration of the member's Annual Performance Report quality, community outreach efforts and compliance history. The Performance Track program includes 344 members and emphasizes innovation and environmental stewardship to strengthen the relationship between business and government. The 2004 Performance Track Progress Report, a detailed view of the Performance Track members' achievements, highlighted reductions in energy use by 3.1 million BTUs, water use by 775 million gallons, and solid waste by 176, 126 tons. EPA Deputy Administrator Stephen L. Johnson also announced the first Performance Track Rule, which grants member facilities flexibility in complying with certain air emission requirements, and with certain hazardous waste storage requirements that will help reduce transportation costs. Performance track members' history of strong compliance, commitment to measurable improvement and effectiveness in environmental management distinguishes them from other regulated facilities. Current estimates indicate the rule will save facilities approximately $707, 000 over the next three years. More information about Performance Track is available at https://www.epa.gov/performancetrack/