News

PCA Tomahawk Mill Wins Clean Air Excellence Award

April 21, 2004

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized Packaging Corporation of America's Tomahawk Mill (PCA) as one of the nation's 13 recipients of the 2003 Clean Air Excellence Award for outstanding commitment to preventing air pollution and improving air quality.

A special awards ceremony and reception was held on March 23, 2004 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C. in honor of this year's Clean Air Excellence Award winners. PCA was commended for its dedication to clean air technology and for its accomplishments in using an innovative technology to reduce hazardous air pollutant emissions by more than 500% over and above what is required by federal air regulations.

"From states to start-ups, corporate giants to dedicated individuals, these awards winners have demonstrated innovative approaches to making our nation's air cleaner," said EPA Deputy Administrator Steve Johnson. "These are lessons and approaches that should be adapted and applied in communities all across the country."

"PCA's creative approach to controlling hazardous air pollutants not only achieves cleaner air, it also illustrates the environmental benefits of allowing "good actors" in the business community operating flexibility," said John Piotrowski, Senior Environmental Engineer. "This effort emphasizes the importance PCA places on air quality issues in our community and our example demonstrates that taking concrete steps towards air pollution reduction is beneficial."

The Clean Air Excellence Awards program was established in 2000 at the recommendation of the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee, a senior-level policy committee that advises the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on implementation of the Clean Air Act. The awards program recognizes both individuals and organizations that have undertaken the risks of innovation, served as pioneers in their fields, and improved the environment in the process.

For more information about the Clean Air Excellence Awards, visit EPA at http://www.epa.gov/oar/caaac/clean_award.html.