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EPA recognizes two Southern California companies as environmental partners

Release Date: 8/30/2004
Contact Information: Wendy L. Chavez, 415-947-4248, [email protected]

19 Companies nationwide join Performance Track program

SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced two Southern California companies as its newest members of the National Environmental Performance Track Program.

The voluntary program recognizes top environmental performers in the public and private sector that go beyond compliance with environmental regulations and publicly commit to specific environmental improvements over the next three years. Facilities recognized in this program consistently meet their legal requirements, implement environmental management systems, voluntarily achieve environmental improvements beyond compliance and report on progress.

International Rectifier (HEXFET) in Temecula, Calif. manufactures semiconductor products for the power industry. HEXFET has committed to reducing hazardous waste generation by 11 tons-- from 216 to 205 tons -- through improvements to its manufacturing processes and using less toxic materials.

International Rectifier of El Segundo, Calif. is a research and development facility for semiconductor products. International Rectifier has committed to finding alternatives to lead solder in electronics applications. If successful, they will transfer this technology to to the company's manufacturing facilities, like HEXFET in Temecula, greatly reducing its reliance on lead solder in electronics manufacturing.

"We applaud these companies for making a substantial commitment to environmental leadership, partnership and stewardship," said Wayne Nastri, the U.S. EPA's regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest region. "I know that over the next three years the commitment these companies have made to Performance Track will have measurable benefits for the environment."

Performance Track members represent a diverse cross-section of the economy, such as electronics, medical and chemical products, machinery, pharmaceuticals, transportation equipment, and wood products. Participating facilities receive a low priority status for routine inspections; reduced regulatory, administrative and reporting burdens; and public recognition. These benefits translate to greater efficiency and reduced costs for both Performance Track facilities and environmental regulators.

Launched in June 2000, Performance Track has quickly grown and now has more than 300 members from 45 states and Puerto Rico. Current Performance Track companies have committed to lowering emissions of greenhouse gases by 26 million pounds; reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds by 98,000 pounds; reducing solid waste by 225 million pounds; and recycling or reusing more than five million pounds of materials.

Performance Track currently Membership terms are three years, in which participants must submit annual performance reports outlining their progress. For more information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/performancetrack/.