May 22, 2007

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester congratulated six Michigan facilities today upon receiving the Neighborhood Environmental Partners Program Gold Award for their outstanding commitment to environmental community outreach. The awards were presented to representatives from the facilities at a ceremony held today in the State Capitol.

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.

"These awards are a recognition that when businesses and our communities work together to protect the environment, everyone in Michigan benefits," said Director Chester. "These facilities, along with their neighborhood partners, are demonstrating that protecting our environment, and growing Michigan's economy, go hand-in-hand."

The six companies receiving an award today are:

• Consumers Energy - J.R. Whiting Plant
  
• General Motors - Flint Metal Center
  
• General Motors - Lansing Delta Township and Regional Stamping
  
• General Motors Powertrain - Warren Transmission Plant
  
• Pfizer Global Manufacturing - Kalamazoo
  
• Smurfit Stone Container Corporation - Ontonagon Mill

Further information on the NEP Program is available on the DEQ Web site at, www.michigan.gov/deqnep, or through the DEQ, Environmental Assistance Center, at 1-800-662-9278.

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 May 22, 2007 by Pat Watson