VALENCIA, CA - The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized U.S. Borax Inc. for voluntary environmental excellence. All Borax sites in California - including the company's primary mine, refineries and shipping facilities - have joined the nation's top 300 public and private facilities as members of EPA's National Environmental Performance Track Program.

Performance Track membership requires companies to maintain an environmental management system, regulatory compliance, performance improvement, and public outreach - both to report environmental performance and to respond to community concerns. Performance improvements must be above and beyond what is required by local, state or federal laws. Members receive public recognition, low inspection priority, and access to national environmental experts.

"We have a long and successful record of working with external experts to develop our internal programs," says Dr. Jim Qin, Borax's Chief EHS Officer. "We maintain external verification of our environmental systems through ISO 14001 registration. Now, through Performance Track membership, we have broadened the network we can call on to help us grow and improve."

Dr. Qin noted that the company recently joined another voluntary effort, the California Climate Action Registry, a non-profit, public/private coalition working to take early action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Borax has been tracking GHG emissions since 1990 and will begin reporting them to the Registry next year. The company's Climate Change Policy and Action Plan specifies emission reduction goals over the next few years.

Borax also reports on efforts to measurably reduce water, fuel and energy use, as well as effluents and emissions, through its commitment to sustainable development. At its primary mining and refining operation, Borax operates cogeneration plants to supply energy - a third of which is dedicated to pollution reduction systems - and partners with local horticulture students to replant land disturbed by mining.

Borax operates California's largest open pit mine in Boron, California - one of the richest borate deposits on the planet. The company supplies nearly half the world's demand for refined borates, minerals used to protect homes from insects and the elements in wood preservatives and insulation materials, and to increase crop yield and quality as essential plant nutrients. Borates may also hold promise in the fight against global warming as hydrogen carriers in clean fuel cell technologies. Visit www.borax.com for more, or www.borax.com/SEreport for the company's environmental performance.