Washington, DC -- Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) recognized four constituents for being selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their exceptional work and commitment to the environment. Of the 19 groups and individuals from the Bay area chosen for this honor, four were from Marin and Sonoma Counties: George Zastrow, Guerneville, for his efforts in protecting the Russian River; the Strauss Family Creamery, Marshall, for its innovation in environmentally responsible dairy farming; Petaluma Poultry, Petaluma, for its production of natural, free range and organic chicken and 3M, Petaluma, for reducing toxic air emissions and hazardous waste.

“These recipients of the EPA Environmental Award prove that businesses can be environmentally responsible -- and succeed,” said Rep. Woolsey. “I am proud to work for and with these individuals and businesses in preserving the Russian River, protecting organic standards, and working to provide incentives for business to increase energy efficiency and incorporate the use of renewable energy in their day to day operations.”

The certificates from Rep. Woolsey were presented earlier today during the EPA Region 9 fifth Annual Environmental Awards Event in San Francisco. The program acknowledges the commitment and significant contributions to the environment in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Guam and tribal lands. Forty-four groups and individuals were selected from over 200 nominees received this year from businesses, media, local, state and federal government officials, tribes, environmental organizations and citizen activists.

Rep. Woolsey has been a leader in preserving the environment for California’s 6th District and the nation. Over the last five years, she secured more than $53 million for environmental and public works projects in Sonoma and Marin counties: including $17 million for the Petaluma River and more than $3 million to protect the Russian River. She’s an original co-sponsor of legislation to protect the organic food industry (H.R. 955), and as a Senior Democrat on the Energy Subcommittee, Rep. Woolsey reintroduced legislation (H.R. 1343) calling for a national increase in renewable energy and energy efficiency R&D funding and secured monies for renewable energy and fuel efficient transportation in the district. She and her Congressional colleagues continue to fight to preserve California’s world famous coastline by stopping the Bush Administration from opening oil and gas exploration off our coast.

The Marin and Sonoma County winners and basis for recognition are:

George Zastrow
Guerneville
George Zastrow has proven to be a true friend to the Russian River. He co-chaired the Russian River Cleanup, which yielded 2,000 tires, more than 400 yards of general trash, over 200 yards of scrap metal, 150 barrels of recyclable materials, car batteries, paints, solvents and industrial materials -- all dredged from the 53 miles of the Russian River from Cloverdale to Jenner. He’s succeeded in acquiring local, state and federal funds for this effort. He now volunteers to scout out potential clean upsites and "watch dogs" industry on the Lower Russian River. Through his tireless efforts, one of the most noteworthy watershed and river contamination cases was brought to justice. Zastrow also owns and operates a local print shop where he uses the large glass storefront window to display panoramas depicting the river in both splendor and peril reminding the community that the river’s health is of the utmost importance.

Straus Family Creamery
Marshall
The Straus Family Creamery, an organic dairy processor that processes milk from its own dairy and two others, has consistently pushed the envelope to improve its environmental responsibility. Straus bottles its milk in recycled and reusable glass bottles, has retooled equipment to use less water, and supports family farmers in its area by helping them convert to organic. With the help of the Resource Conservation District and the EPA, the creamery put in a methane digester to power both its dairy and its upcoming new creamery. The company has hired a green architect to plan an environmentally responsible manufacturing plant and it works closely with the community to minimize non-point source pollution. The Straus Family Creamery works to educate the community on organic, family farmers, the benefits of reusable packaging, and other environmental issues.

Petaluma Poultry
Petaluma
Petaluma Poultry is considered a leader in the production of natural, free range and organic chicken. Early in 2001 a group of 13 employees voluntarily created the company's "sustainability team" to reduce the facility's ecological footprint. By 2002, the facility's workforce of 240 people had greened operations at the feed mill, hatchery, farms and processing plant/administration and sales offices. While Petaluma Poultry's production increased by over 20 percent in 2002, natural gas usage per unit decreased by roughly 4 percent thanks to a more efficient boiler and careful management and the gathering of real-time data in the barns. Long ago the company abandoned the use of herbicides, experimenting with white distilled vinegar and using push mowers to control weeds in the native grass landscaping where the free range chickens roam. A vector control strip keeps insects and rodents controlled. Petaluma Poultry runs an aggressive recycling program for everything from paper, cardboard and glass to wood pallets, oil filters and antifreeze. The facility also recycles 30,000 square yards of bedding and manure annually, providing materials to local landscapers, vineyards, pastures and rice fields.

3M Company
Petaluma & Irvine
For 100 years, 3M's success has come from developing innovative technologies and products to meet customers' needs. 3M is committed to sustainable development through environmental protection, social responsibility and economic progress. From 1990-2001, the company reduced its volatile organic air emissions by 91%, its manufacturing releases to water by 84%, reduced its rate of waste generation by 35% and reduced by 88% chemical releases reported annually to the EPA's Toxic Release Inventory.