Celebrating 50 Percent Reduction in Sacramento!

On this page you will find quotes from speakers heard at the event as well as award winners.

Mark Leary, Executive Director, Integrated Waste Management Board
"The Waste Board last month on the August agenda approved a diversion rate of 52 percent on a statewide average and today's celebration is about the Waste Board staff and their contributions to 52 percent, along with EPA colleagues and supporters whose contributions helped along the way. Every single one of you are a part of it--thank you for your contributions."

Margo Reid Brown, Chair of the Integrated Waste Management Board
"I am proud of how California has once again accomplished the so-called 'impossible' through perseverance and ingenuity. Achieving this goal demonstrated a long-term commitment from both private and public enterprises and a willingness to do what is right for our environment."

Dan Skopec, Undersecretary, California Environmental Protection Agency"
"Reducing what we throw away and making sure we recycle and reuse whenever we can is still a priority with our Governor and his administration and we look forward to California’s continued leadership in a race to zero waste."

Mark Murray, Executive Director, Californians Against Waste
"I want to thank all of you for your efforts in the last sixteen years. This is one of those policy goals that folks thought was unachievable. In fact we have demonstrated that not only is it achievable but we can actually achieve 50 percent."

Award Winners!
Awards presented for 50 percent reduction achieved. From left to right: Mark Murray (Californians Against Waste) past CIWMB executive directors George Larson, George Eowan, and Ralph Chandler; current CIWMB Executive Director Mark Leary, and past CIWMB Chairman Daniel Pennington.