Mcwane is commited to a clean environment today and for generations to come. Over its lifetime, our company has invested hundreds of millions in capital improvements and operations related to environmental protection. These expenditures include projects such as state-of-the-art air pollution control systems, stormwater collection and treatment systems and other equipment upgrades.
Managing nearly 30 manufacturing facilities worldwide in an environmentally sound manner is a highly complex task and one that is accomplished through our robust Environmental Management System (EMS), the playbook by which we operate to meet and exceed compliance with all government regulations and company standards. Among the eight principles of The McWane Way, a core philosophy of the company first outlined by our founder J.R. McWane more than 100 years ago, is Environment.
Never has our stewardship, our commitment and our role as a corporate citizen and neighbor been more relevant than it is today with the advancement of the environmental justice movement.
Environmental justice as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income, with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. According to the EPA, this goal will be achieved when everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards; and equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn and work.
Underscoring the seriousness and far-reaching effects of this issue, the current administration established the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council and signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes $60 billion for environmental justice initiatives. With such an intense spotlight on environmental relations at the community level, it is imperative we recognize the need to amplify McWane’s message and take purposeful action to demonstrate our continuing commitment to environmental stewardship. Further engaging our communities to better understand our operations, including the critical lifeline infrastructure we manufacture, significant infrastructure investments and ongoing advances to protect our planet and safeguard our communities is essential.
Reinvigorating Community Advisory Panels to provide residents with a conduit for giving and receiving feedback, as well as seeking additional opportunities to connect with the public is a priority. Engaging in community activities and events, participating in volunteer opportunities and supporting area schools and non-profits have been foundational to our advocacy for years. Continuing to build and strengthen this outreach is paramount. By welcoming and considering our neighbors as an extension of our McWane family of companies, we uphold a tremendous responsibility for the wellbeing and future of the communities in which we operate.
As J.R. McWane said, “By working together, it is possible for things to be better today than yesterday and better tomorrow than today, for each day to mark some distinct progress, and everybody to feel that we did it.”