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AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has won the state’s highest environmental award, the 2009 Texas Environmental Excellence Award, in recognition of the department’s overall environmental efforts. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) sponsors the award and

     TxDOT won in the government category. Honorees are selected by a blue ribbon committee of environmental experts from public and private industry, and individuals, businesses and organizations that have created successful programs that conserve natural resources, reduce waste, and prevent pollution are eligible for the honor.

     TCEQ commissioners will present the award to TxDOT Executive Director Amadeo Saenz, Jr. at their annual awards banquet on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at the Austin Convention Center as part of the annual Environmental Trade Fair and Conference.  “The Texas Environmental Excellence Awards recognize Texans that are implementing the most innovative and effective environmental projects in the state. The winners of these awards were selected after a review of more than 200 applications,” said TCEQ Chairman Buddy Garcia.  “Environmental protection and air quality improvement are among TxDOT’s core values. Our environmental programs were created to benefit and beautify Texas communities using innovative approaches to conservation and beautification,” said Deirdre Delisi, Texas Transportation Commission chair. “The department and its employees are honored to receive this recognition for long-standing efforts and will continue to strive to create a transportation system that is environmentally sensitive.”

A number of TxDOT environmental initiatives were recognized:

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Drive Clean Across Texas

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Clean Air Plan

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Recycling Program

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Compost Program

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Alternative Fuels Program

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TxDOT Bat Program

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Wildflower Program

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Don’t Mess With Texas To learn more about these and other environmental programs at TxDOT, visit

http://www.txdot.gov/business/contractors_consultants/environmental/default.htm

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The Texas Department of Transportation The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining nearly 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail and public transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 15,000 employees strive to empower local leaders to solve local transportation problems, and to use new financial tools, including tolling and public-private partnerships, to reduce congestion and pave the way for future economic growth while enhancing safety, improving air quality and preserving the value of the state’s transportation assets.