News for Release: Wednesday, March 21, 2007 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) EPA Recognizes Energy Star Winners for Outstanding Energy Efficiency Contact: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / jones.enesta@epa.gov (Washington, D.C. - March 21, 2007) EPA and DOE will present the 2007 Energy Star Awards tonight to more than 80 businesses and organizations for their outstanding accomplishments in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. This year's winners, chosen from the 9000-plus participating partners, include The Home Depot, PepsiCo, McDonalds, Food Lion, Ford Motor Company, Marriott International Inc., Astoria Homes and 3M.  "These Energy Star award winners are helping spread the word that getting the most out of our energy dollars just makes sense," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "President Bush and EPA are improving the nation's energy and environmental outlook – providing the next generation a brighter, healthier future." In 2006 alone, Americans with the help of Energy Star saved $14 billion on their energy bills and avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 25 million vehicles. To date, more than 2 billion Energy Star qualified products have been sold, and more than 725,000 new homes and 3,200 office buildings, schools, hospitals, and public buildings have earned the Energy Star label. Qualified products, homes, and buildings provide the quality, features, and personal comfort today's consumers expect. EPA introduced the Energy Star program in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, in partnership with DOE, the program offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations.  More information about the Energy Star awards:  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=pt_awards.pt_es_awards R058