Charleston, S.C. - South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control recently honored the SC Ports Authority with the "Spare the Air" Award for its emissions reductions efforts, the Port announced today.
Established in 2008, the award recognizes the leadership and voluntary commitment of companies, governments and other entities for promoting and demonstrating air quality improvements.
The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) has reduced port-related pollutants by 50 percent since 2005 through equipment upgrades, partnerships and operational commitments to improve air quality.
"We are committed to operating in a way that is safe for our employees, neighbors and the environment," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We are pleased to be recognized by DHEC with this award, which is only possible through the support of our partners in the maritime industry and trucking community."
SCPA's emissions reduction efforts include:
"These voluntary, common sense and cost effective emission reduction measures taken by the SCPA set a great example for other businesses and industries in South Carolina," said Elizabeth Dieck, Director of Environmental Affairs at SC DHEC. "The 'Spare the Air' awards place a spotlight on the oftentimes unheralded efforts of our clean air partners and illustrate that job creation and public health protection are not mutually exclusive. We sincerely appreciate the SCPA's leadership and all of their efforts to support our mission of ensuring clean healthy air for all communities across the state."
Last year's award recipients include Bosch Anderson, Daniel Island Academy and the City of Rock Hill.
About the South Carolina Ports Authority
The South Carolina Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer, handling international commerce valued at more than $63 billion annually while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, port operations facilitate 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year. For more information, visit www.scspa.com.