EDF honored with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Award

(Washington, D.C. – April 22, 2014) Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) joins an elite group of ten SmartWay Affiliates recognized today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the 2014 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Award. EPA will honor EDF for supporting policies and advancing practices that reduce harmful pollution from the freight transportation sector during a virtual awards presentation.

“EDF is proud to partner with EPA in a collaborative effort that has been successful in reducing harmful diesel pollution from the transportation sector. Communities living in and around U.S. ports and freight corridors are disproportionately affected by hazardous air pollution. Thanks to partnerships such as EPA’s SmartWay Program, all Americans benefit from immediate and lasting health improvements, including fewer asthma attacks, fewer lost workdays and schooldays, and reduced health care costs,” said Elena Craft, Senior Health Scientist at EDF.

The SmartWay Affiliate Challenge is a national program developed by EPA to acknowledge organizations that participate in SmartWay and do an exceptional job supporting the partnership’s freight sustainability goals. SmartWay Affiliate Honorees have initiated and executed recruiting, promotional, and marketing activities that raise awareness and encourage stakeholders to address air pollution from freight activities. These affiliates serve as role models for other SmartWay Affiliates and partners.

“I commend Environmental Defense Fund for its level of commitment, enthusiasm and creativity promoting EPA’s SmartWay program, and sustainable transportation” said Chris Grundler, Director of EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality. “EDF’s work in this arena brings us all closer to achieving the shared goals of clean freight and clean air.” 

As a SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Honoree, EDF, in collaboration with port stakeholders such as the Coalition for Responsible Transportation, has worked to improve air quality around port areas by highlighting best environmental management practices. Top-performing ports have reduced harmful air pollution from some of the largest sources of emissions, including port trucks and ocean-going vessels. 

EPA has recognized these Affiliates on the SmartWay website, in the SmartWay e-newsletter, and in industry trade publications as part of its Earth Day activities.