For the first time, EPA is recognizing corporations for environmental leadership under the National Environmental Performance Track program.

EPA is seeking initial nominations by August 13

The new designation will recognize companies that have shown their commitment to Performance Track through multiple facility memberships and have demonstrated environmental excellence such as reducing water, energy and solid waste use.

The benefits of joining may include linking the Performance Track website to each company's environmental website and recognition of their environmental efforts. To qualify, at least five of the company’s facilities must be Performance Track members, and 25 percent of the company’s operations must be Performance Track members and/or members of similar performance-based state programs.

Selected companies designated as Performance Track Corporate Leaders will commit to improve their environmental performance and that of their suppliers and/or customers, and increase their level of membership in the current program to at least 50 percent of their U.S. operations within five years of designation.

From this list of companies, EPA intends to ask up to three that appear to be the strongest candidates to apply, with applications due by October 29. EPA will then designate the initial Performance Track Corporate Leaders and notify them of their selection in the fall.

7/30/2004