ARLINGTON, Va., April 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, American Trucking Associations is proud to be recognized as one of three top honorees among an elite group of 10 SmartWay Affiliates by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with a 2014 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge award.

EPA honored ATA for supporting policies and practices that reduce truck emissions and improve freight efficiency during a virtual awards presentation. 

"With today marking the 44th anniversary of Earth Day, ATA is honored to receive this award from EPA for our work with SmartWay to promote environmental stewardship and awareness throughout the trucking sector," said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. "SmartWay continues to be a great example of the government working with private industry toward a common goal."

"We are honored to share in this award with ATA members Ryder Truck Rental Inc., Penske Truck Leasing and the Colorado Motor Carries Association," Graves said.

The SmartWay Affiliate Challenge is a national challenge 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 their members to address air pollution from freight activities.  These affiliates serve as role models and mentors for other SmartWay affiliates and partners.

"I commend ATA for its level of commitment, enthusiasm, and creativity in promoting EPA's SmartWay program and sustainable transportation," said Chris Grundler, director of EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality. "ATA's work in this arena brings us all closer to achieving the shared goals of clean freight and clean air." 

The challenge was open to all SmartWay Affiliates. Participating organizations submitted an application and supporting materials describing various activities they accomplished during the period from March 1, 2013 to March 1, 2014.

As a SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Honoree, ATA completed activities in a variety of areas, such as recruiting new partners into the program; promoting the SmartWay brand in trucking industry publications and presentations; and presenting and participating in SmartWay educational workshops.

Other 2014 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Honorees included Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, National Retail Federation, North Central Texas Council of Governments, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Wisconsin Clean Cities, and Environmental Defense Fund.

EPA launched SmartWay in 2004 to help business improve the sustainability of their freight supply chains.  Today the Partnership consists of nearly 3,000 Partners, representing a cross section of the freight supply chain industry.  As of today, SmartWay Partners have saved 120.7 million barrels of oil. This is equivalent to taking over 10 million cars off the road for an entire year.  SmartWay's clean air achievements (51.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxides far) help protect the health and well-being of citizens while contributing to our nation's economic and energy security.  More information on SmartWay in general: http://www.epa.gov/smartway/  

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward.

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SOURCE American Trucking Associations