Benefits for participants in the EPA’s National Environmental Performance Track include national recognition, regulatory and administrative flexibility, a more cooperative relationship with the EPA, a reduction in both record-keeping and reporting requirements, and flexibility in meeting select regulatory requirements.

The program defines performance for two levels:

• The National Environmental Achievement track rewards companies that have a strong compliance record, established an Environmental Management System, voluntarily reduced pollution, and committed to further environmental improvement
• The National Environmental Stewardship track, which is still being developed, will encourage corporations to set the bar higher still by committing to stronger environmental improvement throughout their operations.

  According to EPA administrator Carol M. Browner, the association behind the National Environmental Performance Track program hopes companies that are merely compliant with environmental regulations will be inspired to go the extra mile:

  "The Performance Track opportunity will be offered to companies which have demonstrated true leadership and deserve the benefits. We're highlighting such companies as models of a higher level of environmental achievement," Browner said.

  Application deadlines

  There are two deadlines for application: September 1 for charter applicants (notification in November) and September 30 (notification in December).