News Release: EPA Commends Governmental Agencies for Environmental Stewardship with electronics

EPA Commends Governmental Agencies for Environmental Stewardship with electronics   (DALLAS – Dec. 23, 2011) A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program for encouraging responsible stewardship of electronic devices has welcomed its first three participants from EPA Region 6, which encompasses Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. The University of New Mexico; City of Pharr, Texas; and Travis County, Texas, have committed to responsible operation, maintenance and disposal of electronics through the State Electronics Challenge (SEC).   “Electronic waste presents a huge challenge to the environment. It requires large amounts of resources and energy to produce, and adds hazardous and long-lasting components to our waste stream,” said EPA Regional Administrator Al Armendariz. “These newest partners to the SEC are taking responsibility for their electronic waste and helping to protect the environment for everyone.”   The SEC is a voluntary program that encourages state, tribal, regional and local governments, schools and other public entities to monitor purchases, operation, maintenance and disposal of electronics. More than 75 government entities in 29 states—representing 110,000 employees—have signed on as partners.   Because state and local governments purchase so much electronic equipment—more than $35 billion annually—they are positioned to provide leadership in making responsible and cost-effective management of these items more common. Organizations can become part of this effort by taking two simple steps: buying computers and other equipment that have registered with EPEAT, an online clearinghouse for green electronics, and using registered electronics recyclers.          To become a partner of the State Electronics Challenge visit: http://www.stateelectronicschallenge.net/   To find environmentally responsible electronic equipment: www.epeat.net   Use recyclers registered at: www.r2solutions.net and www.e-stewards.org   More about activities in EPA Region 6: http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html   EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/dec2011.html   # # #     You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355