Environmental Progress - Fall 1998

Partners for Clean Air Awards

Efforts in smog-fighting lead to recognition

Five organizations were honored by Partners for Clean Air at the smog-fighting organization's annual luncheon in June. They were honored for their extraordinary efforts to respond to potential health threats from ground-level ozone in the Chicago metro area.

Partners for Clean Air is a voluntary coalition of regional businesses, transportation organizations, health advocacy groups and local governments committed to improving air quality and public health.

In partnership with Illinois EPA, the group coordinates Ozone Action Days, in which citizens and organizations are called upon to undertake voluntary activities to help reduce the potential for high ozone levels.

Ironically, this year's Partners luncheon at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago occurred on the first Ozone Action Day of the season, June 24, accompanied by typical hot and humid weather conditions and stagnant air.

Recognized for their 1997 efforts were Navistar Corp., U.S. Defense Contract Management Command, Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition, Orchard Hills Country Club, and the Museum of Science and Industry.

Navistar delayed refueling of gasoline, stopped idling of their vehicles and deferred painting schedules on Ozone Action Days. It also encouraged alternate transportation ride-sharing and lunch brown-bagging by its 1,240 employees to minimize travel.

U.S. Defense Contract Management Command also aggressively promoted ridesharing among employees and flextime and telecommuting to minimize travel on Ozone Action Days. They also postponed landscaping and site maintenance and reduced use of equipment and solvents that could contribute to ozone formation.

Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition, a group of government agencies, businesses, auto manufacturers, educational institutions and fuel providers, were recognized for promoting the use of alternative fuel vehicles in the Chicago area.

Orchard Hills Country Club was honored for its permanent rideshare program, postponing course maintenance and vehicle refueling and use of electric utility vehicles whenever possible.

The Museum of Science and Industry was cited for its new "Reusable City" environmental exhibit. A major component focuses on ozone and air pollution, developed with technical assistance and funding from Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA.