NASHVILLE, TN and GREENVILLE, SC — Two major tiremakers — Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNT) and Michelin North America — have joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership, a national partnership to help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions from ground freight transportation.
BFNT, Michelin and other partners were recognized by EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt during a press event held recently in Washington, D.C. The event was held to publicly roll out the SmartWay Transport Partnership and to laud the first companies to join the private-public effort.
The SmartWay Transport Partnership is promoting long-term cost savings, fuel consumption reduction and efficiency improvement, which can therefore reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Tiremakers such as BFNT and Michelin have committed to contribute to the Partnership’s goal to reduce 33 to 66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide per year by 2012. Carbon dioxide is the most common greenhouse gas, and nitrogen oxide is an air pollutant that contributes to smog.
“We are proud to be a partner in this worthwhile and important endeavor,” said Mark Emkes, BFNT chairman, CEO and president. “At Bridgestone/Firestone, we take our role as a responsible corporate citizen very seriously and we look forward to working with the U.S. EPA to help achieve the Partnership’s goals.
“Improving environmental performance, while also improving economic performance, benefits us all. In addition, we also want to recognize and help in any way possible the agency’s voluntary approach to environmental leadership,” Emkes said.
By joining the SmartWay Partnership, companies are publicly committing to improve its fleet’s efficiency through several techniques including: monitoring to eliminate unnecessary idling, or sitting still with the truck running; setting top speed limit standards at 65 mph with electronic controls and monitoring; and using high-tech synthetic oils to improve engine efficiency.”
“By joining the SmartWay Transport Partnership, Michelin is furthering its commitment to environmental leadership and corporate responsibility,” said Joe Brister, corporate environmental manager for Michelin North America. “Michelin has worked closely with the EPA for many years as a strong proponent of environmental causes in the tire industry.”
For information about the SmartWay Transport Partnership visit: www.epa.gov/smartway.
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