Oct. 26, 2009 (PR Newswire) --
First airport in Texas to achieve recognition; purchases support development of new clean renewable resources
DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- DFW International Airport announced today it is among the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Top 20 Local Government List of the largest green power purchasers. DFW, the first airport in Texas to achieve the recognition, is purchasing nearly 53 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually -- enough green power to meet 18 percent of the organization's purchased electricity use. The Airport is buying renewable energy certificates (RECs) from Reliant Energy.
Earlier this week, the EPA updated each of its National Top Partner lists, highlighting some of America's largest green power purchasers. The Airport currently ranks No. 11 on EPA's Top 20 Local Government List. (http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/toplists/)
"This is a huge honor and we are proud to be recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency," said Jim Crites, DFW's executive vice president of operations. "Purchasing green power helps the Airport become more sustainable, while also sending a message to others across the U.S. that supporting clean sources of electricity is a sound business decision and an important choice in reducing climate risk. DFW has demonstrated its commitment to the highest standards of environmental stewardship, and because of this, the Airport and the entire North Texas region is benefiting from lower emissions."
Green power is electricity that is generated from environmentally preferable renewable resources, such as wind, solar, and geothermal. These resources generate electricity with little or no increase in carbon dioxide emissions, while offering a superior environmental profile compared to traditional power generation sources. Green power purchases also support the development of new renewable energy generation sources nationwide. DFW's key to success with its green initiatives has been the implementation of its Environmental Management System, which serves as a platform to manage regulated aspects of the Airport's air transportation operations and commercial enterprise.
"EPA commends our leading Partners for their continued commitment to protecting the environment by using green power," said Ann Bailey, Acting Director of the Climate Protection Partnerships Division at EPA.
