Environmental Technology Companies Sought for Model National Verification Program

For Immediate Release (C-09-96)
Contact: Communications Office (916) 324-9670
February 21, 1996

555 Capitol Mall, Suite 525
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 324-9670
FAX (916) 445-5563

SACRAMENTO Expanding on its successful certification program for hazardous waste technologies, the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) today announced it is seeking companies to advance the development of innovative environmental technologies through a newly-established national performance verification pilot program.

"Under Governor Wilson's leadership, California has generated momentum in the development of environmental technologies which will match our high environmental standards," Deputy Secretary Ann Heywood said. "We can advance their acceptance and environmentally protective use with a certification 'seal of approval' that will be recognized across the nation and around the world."

California started its hazardous waste environmental technology certification program the first and only one of its kind in the nation in 1994, after legislation (AB 2060, Weggeland) was signed into law by Governor Wilson.  In 1995, three states Illinois, Massachusetts and New Jersey signed a reciprocity agreement with California to recognize the certification program and promote environmental technology.

The national performance verification pilot program is a result of an agreement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and Cal/EPA's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC).  Chosen participants will be able to access DTSC's fee-for-service certification program at a reduced rate through a U.S. EPA grant.

Cal/EPA will establish a multi-disciplinary team to identify the specific performance claims and establish criteria for evaluating the claims.  Preference for selection to the pilot program will be given to technologies applicable to pollution prevention and waste treatment. Technologies of use in electronics, metal plating and finishing, petroleum refining, and  printing industries are of particular interest.

Applications to participate may be obtained by calling Cal/EPA's Office of Environmental Technology at (916) 327-5789.  The application deadline is May 15, 1996.

1996 Releases | Current Releases | Archived Press Releases