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Auntie Litter, Inc. in Alabama honored in EPA's Eighth Annual Clean Air Excellence Awards

Release Date: 06/04/2008
Contact Information: Dawn Harris Young, EPA Media Relations, (404)562-8421

(Atlanta, Ga. - May June 4, 2008) What do two California ports, a company that produced the first diesel electric hybrid tugboat, and Auntie Litter, Inc. have in common? All are dedicated to excellence in achieving clean air, and they are among the 11 winners of the eighth annual Clean Air Excellence Awards. This year's award winners are recognized by EPA for their outstanding accomplishments in improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

There are four categories of awards: clean air technology, community action, education/outreach, and regulatory policy innovations, with one additional special award for individual achievement.

This year’s winner in Alabama for education/outreach is Auntie Litter, Inc. Auntie Litter Inc. creates and implements new programs and materials on the importance of clean air and the harmful effects of air pollution.

Since 1998, Auntie Litter, Inc. has served as the lead Education Partner for the Alabama Partners for Clean Air, a consortium of business, government and civic organizations dedicated to improving air quality in the greater Birmingham area. Auntie Litter, Inc. creates and implements new programs and materials to teach students and their families in the Jefferson and Shelby counties about the importance of clean air and the harmful effects of air pollution.

Auntie Litter, Inc. created an original musical comedy play, “Life is a Breath of Fresh Air,” which was performed by professional actors and reached more than 50,000 students. The organization also developed a series of entertaining and educational music videos for students in grades 3-8. After watching the videos, students were provided the opportunity to learn more about how to protect the air and their health with reinforcement materials. Then, the videos were condensed into 30-second Public Service Announcements that air on local channels.

Educating children about the importance of taking action to improve air quality is a top priority of Auntie Litter, Inc. The organization is currently developing and implementing an Idle Free Zone program for area schools which will include an interactive CD, colorful signs for school driveways, coloring activity pages for students, and a Pollution Patrol Club for kids.

The Clean Air Excellence Awards recognize and honor outstanding, innovative efforts that make progress in achieving cleaner air. The awards were established in 2000, at the recommendation of the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC), a senior-level policy group that advises EPA on implementing the Clean Air Act.

For more information about this year's awards ceremony, visit: epa.gov/air/caaac/recipients.html