PENSACOLA, Florida – The tradition and commitment of protecting and improving the ecosystems of Northwest Florida by Gulf Power employees was recognized today when the energy company received the Outstanding Environmental Stewardship award from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
The award, presented at the FDEP Northwest District office in Pensacola, recognized Gulf Power for proactive, innovative and exceptional achievements to reduce impacts on the environment beyond measures required by permit or rule.
“This is the first time the agency has recognized organizations for going above and beyond what is required and it’s nice when we get to celebrate the successes of the hard work that takes place every day,” said Shawn Hamilton, FDEP Northwest District director.
Gulf Power was recognized for reducing carbon emissions by 54 percent and emissions from power plants by 90 percent while energy demand has increased 30 percent over the past decade and for bringing large-scale solar to Northwest Florida. The energy company was also acknowledged for its award-winning reclaimed water program currently in operation at Plant Crist in Pensacola and its plans to have a similar program in the future at Plant Smith in Panama City.
Gulf Power employees were also recognized for volunteering more than 1,200 hours during 2016 from trimming trails in conservation areas, building oyster reefs, and monitoring shorebird nesting sites, to rebuilding boardwalks at St. Andrews State Park and clearing away brush at a historic African American cemetery on the Perdido River watershed.
“Gulf Power employees fully embrace the role we play in Northwest Florida’s quality of life and work hard to be good stewards of our environment,” said Rick DelaHaya, Gulf Power spokesperson. “From countless hours maintaining, restoring or protecting natural resources, to providing grants for the protection of our forests and living shorelines, our employees are committed to preserving our natural resources for today and generations to come.”
The first-time awards were developed by the Northwest District Office to recognize organizations who are working alongside FDEP to safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystems. Along with Gulf Power, the City of Tallahassee and Naval Air Station Whiting Field also received awards for significant and measurable achievements that benefit the environment.
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Gulf Power is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 450,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening our communities. Visit online at MyGulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page. News information can be found at GulfPowerNews.com.
News Media Contacts:
Jeff Rogers
External Communications & Brand Manager
850-444-6243, cell 850-572-5511
Rick DelaHaya
Media Relations Supervisor
850-444-6433, cell 318-294-2338
Natalie Smith
Media Relations
850-444-6784, cell 850-375-6123