News Releases from Region 09

MEDIA ADVISORY: U.S. EPA Spotlights Federal Green Energy Champion

SAN FRANCISCO – On Thursday, October 27, Deborah Jordan, U.S. EPA’s Acting Deputy Regional Administrator, will be joined by federal officials and renewable energy leaders to honor Golden Gate National Recreation Area with a Federal Green Challenge Energy Award.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area, one of the largest national parks in an urban environment, has made significant strides to reduce its carbon footprint, with the goal of becoming a carbon-neutral park. Highlights of their efforts include purchasing 100 percent renewable energy for park buildings through Community Choice Aggregation programs and installing solar panels on historic Fort Mason buildings and Alcatraz Island.

The award event will take place during a Federal Green Challenge workshop led by EPA. Workshop topics include renewable energy and state greenhouse gas reduction requirements for diverting organic materials – such as grass clippings and food – from landfill disposal.

WHEN:          
Thursday, October 27, 2016, 10:00-10:30 AM

WHO:             
Deborah Jordan, Acting Deputy Regional Administrator, U.S. EPA, Region 9
Aaron Roth, Acting Superintendent, Golden Gate Natural Recreation Area
Jamie Tuckey, Director of Public Affairs, MCE Clean Energy
Barbara Hale, Assistant General Manager for Power, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

WHAT:          
Brief remarks followed by press availability and access to Federal Green Challenge Workshop (workshop goes til noon).

WHERE:        
Fort Mason, Building 201, San Francisco, CA 94123.

The event will offer views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge, with the historic buildings of Fort Mason in the background. Visuals include the park’s fleet of electric vehicles.

Event will happen rain or shine; speakers will be moved inside if needed.

Parking is free, and the site can be reached by Muni lines 28, 30, 47, and 49.
           
RSVP:            
Credentialed press who would like to attend this event, please contact Michele Huitric, huitric.michele@epa.gov, 415-972-3165.

WHY:             
The Federal Green Challenge, an EPA initiative launched in 2012, invites federal facilities to lead by example in reducing their environmental impact.  Participants commit to reducing their environmental footprint by 5 percent or more in at least two target areas: water, waste, energy, electronics, transportation, and purchasing.

Over 290 federal facilities across the nation are taking steps to reduce pollution, support renewable energy, and operate more efficiently. Last year, participants saved more than $21 million across natural gas, fuel oil, paper purchasing, water, and waste reduction categories. The resulting reduction in greenhouse gases is equivalent to taking more than 518,000 passenger vehicles off the road.
           
Find more information on the Federal Green Challenge: www.epa.gov/fgc

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