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Region 7 Staff Reap Financial and Environmental Savings from Participation in 2008 Alternate Transportation Program

Release Date: 01/26/2009
Contact Information: Whitley, 913-551-7394, [email protected]

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Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., Jan. 26, 2009) - A small group of EPA Region 7 employees has demonstrated that by using alternate means of transportation between home and work, some big savings can be realized for the environment, as well as for their own bank accounts.

During 2008, Region 7's Alternate Transportation Program drew participation from 71 employees. Supported by the Region 7 Management Team, the program tracked emission reductions, mileage reductions and cost savings for employees who carpooled, vanpooled or rode buses to and from work.

Compared to 2007, figures show that the program doubled its overall emission reductions for 2008. The program resulted in reductions of 2,169 pounds of hydrocarbons; 15,498 pounds of carbon monoxide; 930 pounds of nitrogen oxide; and 278,373 pounds of carbon dioxide.

Participants avoided single-occupancy vehicle trips for a total of 4,673 work days, equivalent to more than 280,000 miles of driving. All told, participants in the 2008 program saved 14,059 gallons of gasoline and $45,691 in financial costs of commuting.

"As an Agency, EPA is strongly committed to leading by example when it comes to taking action to improve the environment," Acting Regional Administrator William Rice said. "We applaud the success of these conscientious employees. We hope even more of their colleagues will choose to participate in this program, even for a day or two of making a difference, in 2009."