The California Environmental Protection Agency presented the GEELA in December 2006 to individuals, organizations and businesses playing outstanding leadership roles in conserving natural resources, protecting the environment and building partnerships that further both environmental and business goals.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said the GEELA recipients “have demonstrated a tremendous commitment to preserving our natural resources, while also contributing greatly to our economy.”

Award Categories

Awards are given in five categories:

• Sustainable Practices or Facilities;
• Children’s Environmental Education;
• Environmental and Economic Partnerships;
• Ecosystem and Watershed Stewardship;
• Sustainable Communities.

Award Winners
CalChamber members earning the GEELA include:

Sustainable Practices or Facilities

• State of California Auto Dismantlers Association (SCADA). SCADA’s Partners in the Solution certification program requires all the organization’s members to meet specific environmental, safety, and business and licensing standards and audits members to maintain and improve performance. The program’s benefits include preventing hazardous and reusable components from entering the conventional waste stream, preventing improper disposal of vehicles and protecting air and water quality.

Children’s Environmental Education

• PG&E Solar Schools Program. In its third year, the Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Solar Schools Program provides funding to support solar-based education programs in public schools in underserved communities in Northern and Central California. In 2006, PG&E awarded $1.7 million in grants to schools to install solar generation systems and to provide solar-based training curricula and money for solar science projects.

Environmental and Economic Partnerships

• Vulcan Materials Company. In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Riverside Land Conservancy, the Vulcan Materials Company endowed 150 acres of land to create the Colton Dunes Conservation Bank, the largest protected area of critical habitat for the endangered Delhi Sands flower-loving fly, a pollinating insect (similar to a hummingbird) whose only known habitat is in a small region in which the Conservation Bank is located. Vulcan Materials Company has funded an endowment for permanent habitat maintenance.
  
  
• PG&E and the California Farm Bureau Federation. The Agricultural Internal Combustion Engine Conversion Incentive (AG-ICE) program is a partnership among businesses, associations, agricultural and environmental groups, and local, state and federal agencies that encourages PG&E’s agricultural customers to convert voluntarily to less-polluting electric-powered irrigation pumps. AG-ICE offers reduced electricity rates, limits annual rate increases and offers financial assistance for up-front costs to successful applicants.
  
  
• Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties. In partnership with Dell Inc., Goodwill Industries operates ReConnect San Francisco. Launched in July 2005, the program diverts e-waste from landfills and into the hands of resale customers. Goodwill collects donated computer equipment and sorts it for recycling or refurbishment and resale. During its first year, the program diverted nearly 2 million pounds of e-waste from landfills. Goodwill reinvests proceeds in a variety of job creation and community programs. 
  
  
• Hearst Corporation. In conjunction with various land trusts and the State of California, the Hearst Corporation worked to preserve in perpetuity 128 square miles (82,000 acres) of habitat for more than 1,000 plant and animal species, including an elephant seal rookery, more than 19 beaches, coastal creeks, and bluff, prairie and maritime chaparral habitat.