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Co-op Shows Environmental Leadership |
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Eighty Colorado companies were recognized for their environmental leadership this past fall, and White River Electric was one of them.
The electric cooperative based in Meeker was part of the elite group of companies honored at the 10th annual Environmental Leadership Awards for their voluntary commitment to environmental improvement and going beyond compliance with state and federal regulations.
“I am pleased to be part of a program that recognizes so many companies and other agencies for their leadership in helping to make Colorado a greener state,” said Gov. Bill Ritter. “It is my hope that the voluntary efforts of these companies — to go beyond what is required in the state’s environmental regulations — will set an example for others to follow.”
The awards ceremony at the Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts recognized Colorado organizations with gold, silver and bronze designations. White River Electric joined organizations such as the Colorado Rockies, the Pepsi Center and 30 other organizations as first-time Bronze winners.
White River Electric was recognized for it efforts to handle its waste in an environmentally responsible manner, for its work with various government departments regarding threatened species and habitat protection, for its compliance with water management and for its efforts to promote energy efficiency to its members.
It was specifically noted that White River works in close conjunction with the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to make sure it complies with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Eagle Protection Act and the Threatened and Endangered Species Act. These relationships have been mutually beneficial when it comes to rights-of-way issues for power line construction, as well as for raptor protection, sage grouse habitat protection and other programs that affect native plants and animals and their habitat.
WREA has also decreased its solid waste footprint in recent years through recycling programs for electronic wastes, mercury contained in lightbulbs, pesticides, lead acid batteries, cardboard, aluminum, paper and ink cartridges. The co-op also has a record of waste reduction through its use of green alternatives when it comes to maintenance and janitorial functions. Waste oil from the shop is reused through an oil-burning furnace. Antifreezes and solvents used to wash parts are recycled through a third party.
White River Electric is also a proponent of Energy Star compliant appliances, CFL lighting and renewable energy and offers many programs to its members to help them become more energy efficient and take advantage of renewable energy programs.
White River Electric’s power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission, was a Silver award recipient. This is its second year in the Environmental Leadership Program. Return to the Cutting Costs article index page |
