[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 47 (Thursday, April 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E577-E578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP OF THE ASPEN SKI COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2000

  Mr. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the Aspen Skiing Company 
as a leader in environmental responsibility.
  This is certainly not the first commendation the Aspen Skiing Company 
has received. In 1999 alone, the company became the first back to back 
winner of the Golden Eagle Award for Overall Environmental Excellence 
in the ski industry. It was the first skiing company and only U.S. 
business to receive the prestigious British Airways Tourism for 
Tomorrow Environmental Award. Additionally, the Aspen Skiing Company 
was recognized by the National Environmental Education and Training 
Foundation for its outstanding environmental educational programs.
  As the award judges for the Golden Eagle Award noted, ``Aspen Skiing 
Company's programs show a wide-range and detailed commitment to an 
ecological perspective in every area of their business.'' I whole-
heartedly agree that the Aspen Skiing Company has, ``without peer, 
established itself as an industry leader in environmentalism.''
  But Aspen is not resting on its laurels. The Skiing Company continues 
to develop innovative environmental programs and partnerships to 
protect the forests in which it resides and its commitment to the local 
community. The Aspen Skiing Company has entered into a cooperative with 
the Environmental Protection Agency and the Colorado Department of 
Public Health and the Environment to develop a pollution prevention 
based environmental management strategy that focuses on energy and 
waste conservation, and solid waste reduction to be used as a model for 
the skiing industry. It has developed a Natural Resource Management 
Plan to ensure vegetative diversity and wildlife protection on its 
mountains. The Aspen Skiing Company founded the Environment Foundation, 
a nonprofit, employee-funded and directed foundation which awarded more 
than $120,000 to 34 diverse local environmental groups since its 
inception, and continues to protect local habitat, ecosystems, and 
biodiversity.
  Aspen Skiing Company continues to be a leader in environmentally 
sensitive development, not only within the ski industry, but all 
industry. Aspen's efforts to reduce the impact it has on the land, and 
conserve habitat and resources are exemplified by two of its recent 
projects, the Sundeck Restaurant and the Cirque Lift.
  The Sundeck Restaurant, at the top of the mountain is on tract to be 
a fully certified ``green building.'' The effort began with the 
deconstruction, rather than demolition of the old building, enabling 
materials to be salvaged and reused. The new building will utilize the 
latest ``green'' technology, including energy efficient windows, low 
toxicity paints, and recycled and recyclable materials.
  When the Aspen Skiing Company decided to construct a new lift above 
tree line, it recognized the sensitivity of this ecosystem and 
proceeded accordingly. The construction of the Cirque Lift was 
completed without bulldozers or mechanized ground equipment. The heavy 
items for the lift, such as the lift poles and concrete, were airlifted 
by helicopter while all other supplies were carried up on foot, an 
astounding task at high elevation that speaks volumes to the company's 
commitment to protecting this delicate ecosystem. The lift itself 
continues that commitment, as it is the State of Colorado's first wind 
powered ski lift.
  Aspen Skiing Company has also shown leadership in the public realm 
advocating for the protection of public lands and open spaces, which 
are so important to Colorado's wildlife and the quality of life for all 
Americans.
  I have no doubt that the Aspen Skiing Company will continue to be a 
leader in efforts to

[[Page E578]]

protect the environment. I applaud their accomplishments.

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