As part of September's National Pollution Prevention Week, California Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Linda Adams recognized the California Autobody Association and several other businesses for their pollution prevention efforts at the California and World Ocean Conference in Long Beach. The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Director Maureen Gorsen and the California Resources Agency Secretary Mike Chrisman also attended the ceremony. 

McClune

"Protecting and preserving California's environment is very important to Governor Schwarzenegger," said Linda Adams, secretary for Environmental Protection. "I want to congratulate the leaders that are standing here with me today for their tremendous efforts to prevent pollution and teaching customers and workers about pollution prevention."

The California Autobody Association (CAA) has partnered with DTSC to develop the first California statewide Autobody Pollution Prevention Program. Through developing this industry-wide training program, CAA has demonstrated its commitment to pollution prevention and environmental protection.

This voluntary program requires partnerships with a number of stakeholder groups including industry associations and labor groups, local governments, parts distributors, motorist and consumer groups, state agencies, and environmental and community groups.

Pollution prevention methods and best management practices reduce air emissions, wastewater discharges, and hazardous waste generation. By adopting these practices, businesses reduce operational costs and improve compliance with environmental regulations.

Pollution Prevention Week originated in California in 1993 and was a product of a coalition of local government agencies in partnership with DTSC. The week provides an opportunity for government, industry and environmental groups to focus on the economic and environmental benefits associated with pollution prevention policies and programs. It has now become a national event used to promote achievable, measurable reductions in pollution generation, and to increase distribution of pollution prevention information.

DTSC has partnered with both large and small businesses to reduce the generation of hazardous waste. These volunteer programs have helped businesses cut costs, increase productivity and worker safety, and have reduced industries' impact on the environment.

Businesses receiving recognition this year included: Catholic Healthcare West & Kaiser Permanente, Marina Recreation Association of California, Toyota Motor Sales, Western States Petroleum Association, California State Automobile Association, and Chemical Industry Council of California, along with CAA.

These businesses represent well over $50 billion in sales annually in California, so their commitment to pollution prevention will have a tremendous impact on preserving and protecting the environment and public health.

To find out how your business can profit from pollution prevention, please visit www.dtsc.ca.gov/PollutionPreventionControl or www.calautobody.com.