April 21, 2006

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester today awarded the General Motors Powertrain - Warren Transmission Plant with the Neighborhood Environmental Partners Program Gold Award at a ceremony held at the plant in Warren.

The NEP Gold Awards Program was developed by the DEQ to recognize facilities and their community partners who have worked together to improve the environment locally by implementing ongoing environmental projects.

“The staff of GM’s Warren Transmission Plant has demonstrated a strong commitment to their community, and enthusiasm for our environment,” said Director Chester. “They are proving the ideal that a healthy environment and a healthy economy go hand-in-hand.”

Director Chester recognized the excellent partnership between the plant and its community partners for their commitment to ongoing hands-on community based environmental projects. GM has joined with area schools and employees to improve environmental awareness in the community by working with students to perform water quality sampling in the Clinton River Watershed. GM also annually visits with area elementary schools near the facility to celebrate Earth Day, and has partnered with the Macomb County Health Department to offer household hazardous waste collections for employees and contractors at the plant.

“The GM Powertrain Warren Transmission Plant is a great example of how the people of General Motors are constantly taking actions to reduce the impact of GM facilities and processes on the environment,” said Beth Lowery, GM vice president, Environment and Energy. “The innovations that are in place will reduce energy use and waste generated, and those represent decisions that are good for the environment and for our business. We are proud to have this achievement recognized by the state of Michigan.”

General Motors Powertrain Warren Transmission Plant is an active member of the Department of Environmental Quality, “Clean Corporate Citizen Program.” The plant received their C3 designation on August 18, 2000 and has successfully renewed their designation since then.

Carolyne Watts, GM Powertrain Warren Transmission Plant manager, commented on the plant’s outreach activities, including visits to area elementary schools during April to teach good environmental practices and water conservation. “One of our GM environmental principles is to actively educate the public about environmental conservation. The state of Michigan understands the importance of educational work in the community and it’s very gratifying to receive this award that is based in part on this type of outreach.”

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised April 21, 2006 by Pat Watson