Port of Corpus Christi receives Texas Environmental Excellence Award

Port of Corpus Christi receives Texas Environmental Excellence Award


The Port of Corpus Christi has been honoured by Governor Abbott and legislators for its efforts to protect the state’s natural resources through innovative and proactive environmental and sustainability initiatives.

Delegates from the Port of Corpus Christi travelled to Austin to receive the Texas Environmental Excellence Award (TEEA) in Pollution Prevention at the 2018 Texas Environmental Awards. It was presented by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and met with Governor Abbott and TCEQ Commissioners.

TEEA is an annual awards program that honours achievements in environmental preservation and protection and is considered the state’s highest environmental honour. The Port’s Commission Chairman, Charles Zahn, Jr., and Director of Environmental Planning and Compliance, Sarah Garza, accepted the TEEA on behalf of the Port of Corpus Christi at the awards banquet.

Environmental leadership led by the Port Corpus Christi Commissioners has been integral to winning the 2018 Pollution Prevention award; a recently approved environmental policy identified five key precepts to consider when evaluating new developments and operations: air quality, water quality, soils and sediments, wildlife habitat, and environmental sustainability. 

The port’s environmental stewardship efforts focus on improvements and proactive measures related to these precepts, and the TEEA awards committee cites the implementation of the port’s strategic plan to ensure operations and activities are environmentally sustainable and resilient.

TEEA also noted several milestones Port Corpus Christi has achieved in finding balance between the environment, community, and the economy, from dredge material reuse, to its green energy utilisation. Cited among the most impressive, however, “is its strong educational, training, and outreach components.”

“Achieving a balance between the environment, our community, and the economy is fundamental to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same,” said Charles, POCCA Commission Chairman. “The Port has implemented a strategic plan to ensure its continued economic success while ensuring its operations and activities are conducted in a manner conducive to environmental sustainability and resiliency.”

Texas State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Texas State Representative Todd Hunter and various area delegation offices also recognised the Port of Corpus Christi on the House Floor with a proclamation.

“The Port of Corpus Christi is very deserving of the environmental award from TCEQ.  The Port is an economic and conservation steward for our region,” said Representative Todd Hunter.

For more information, visit: www.portofcc.com

21st May 2018