Nellis recognized as member of EPA's National Performance Track program Published Aug. 5, 2008 By Cadet Christopher S. Hilton Texas Christian University AFROTC Texas Christian University AFROTC <br> Nellis AFB Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Representatives from Nellis AFB and the Environmental Protection Agency recognized Nellis' acceptance into a highly selective EPA program in a ceremony July 31 at the Officer's Club here. Nellis was accepted into the EPA's National Performance Track program in May 2008. According to the EPA, the Performance Track is a program that recognizes and drives environmental excellence by encouraging facilities with strong environmental records to go above and beyond their legal requirements. Colonel David Belote, 99th Air Base Wing commander, addressed Nellis' application process and the installation's goals. He gave an overview of Nellis' history and how the base has developed as a leader in environmental stewardship and energy conservation. Wayne Nastri, EPA Region IX administrator, officially recognized Nellis' formal acceptance into the program. Nellis deserves praise for its environmental achievements, Mr. Nastri said. Environmental stewardship is a win-win because it also brings economic benefits--lower operating costs, more efficient processes and less environmental damage. Members of the Performance Track program typically set four public, measurable goals to improve the quality of our nation's air, water and land. Members currently include more than 500 major corporations, small businesses and public facilities across the nation that are steering a course to environmental excellence, according to the EPA. Nellis' induction into the Performance Track program highlights the base's commitment to environmentally friendly policies and programs. "Nellis has joined an exclusive group of environmental leaders," said Mr. Nastri. "Performance Track has 535 member facilities. Collectively, Performance Track member have reduced energy use by 4 trillion British thermal units, water use by more than 3 billion gallons, solid waste by more than 1 million tons and hazardous waste by more than 50 thousand tons." Nellis is home to the largest solar photovoltaic array in North America. The project, which was completed in December 2007, covers 140 acres of land and saves the base an estimated $1 million in annual energy costs. It produces approximately 30 percent of the base's energy--a great deal more than the 2 percent renewable energy use increase required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The base also recently completed an extensive xeriscaping project, replacing grass with desert landscaping. The rocky landscaping saves the base an estimated $250,000 a year in water and maintenance. Nellis' other goals include reducing the amount of zinc in sewage water as well as reducing hazardous paint waste even more than the 50 percent reduction from 2004 through 2006.
