EPA periodically recognizes the efforts and achievements of outstanding Natural Gas STAR partners during a special awards luncheon at the Program's Annual Implementation Workshop. Recognition is based on methane emission reductions achieved, implementation of a variety of technologies and practices, and support of Program activities, initiatives, and outreach. To be eligible, partners must submit an annual report to EPA each spring.

Examples of Natural Gas STAR Program contributions include:

• Presentations and/or demonstrations at Program workshops
• Contributions to case studies, technical documents, articles, videos, and/or Program tools
• Sponsorship of a Technology Transfer Workshop
• Development of employee incentive programs
• Recruitment of new partners and/or endorser organizations
• Providing peer support/guidance to new partners
• Inclusion of Program participation information as part of company's environmental communications plan, website, and/or annual report

Specific award categories and criteria are as follows:

Partner of the Year: Partner of the Year is based on normalized emission reductions for the prior reporting year, achieved by implementing a variety of Natural Gas STAR technologies and practices. EPA also considers positive reporting trends such as increasing reduction totals or expanded implementation of new technologies and practices; internal corporate programs to promote Natural Gas STAR; internal and external outreach and education; and support for Natural Gas STAR Program activities, such as Partner Update articles or Technology Transfer Workshops. One Partner of the Year award is generally named in each major natural gas sector: production, processing, transmission and distribution.

Implementation Manager of the Year: Implementation Manager of the Year is awarded for outstanding leadership in outreach and technology transfer of Natural Gas STAR Program goals. EPA also considers internal outreach and education and support for Natural Gas STAR Program activities.

Rookie of the Year: Rookie of the Year recognizes new Program partners that demonstrate strong program participation. Normalized emission reductions for the prior reporting year, implementation of a variety of technologies and practices, and participation in other Program activities are considerations in awarding Rookie of the Year.

Continuing Excellence: Continuing Excellence is presented based on a company submitting an annual report on a regular basis throughout the years, in conjunction with a high level of performance according to the criteria used for Partner of the Year.

Click on the tabs below to view award winners from past Annual Implementation Workshops.