Earning Recognition

PG&E is honored to have earned recognition for its commitment to the environment and sustainability.

Clarke Awards: Recognizing Employees for Environmental Leadership

Each year, PG&E presents the Richard A. Clarke Environmental Leadership Awards to honor an individual and a team whose efforts demonstrate exceptional environmental leadership. PG&E also gives a charitable contribution of $10,000 on behalf of the winners, and $1,000 on behalf of finalists to an environmental, conservation or environmental justice nonprofit organization of their choice.

The 2011 awards went to an individual and a team of employees.

Gary Freeman: Hydroelectric Climate Change Studies & Adaptation Planning

Gary Freeman, a Utility hydrologist and a member of PG&E’s climate-change science team, helps measure the impact of global warming on specific watersheds.

Gary Freeman was recognized for his leadership in helping PG&E better understand the potential impacts of climate change on our hydroelectric operations. Gary has pioneered sophisticated methodologies to proactively evaluate these impacts and has helped PG&E develop effective adaptation strategies to address them. His work includes an ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey and the California Department of Water Resources, as well as engagement with other members of the scientific community. Gary also shares his research and best practices through a range of scientific papers and speaking opportunities.

Colusa Generating Station Emissions Calculator Team

A team at the Colusa Generating Station—from left, Joe Garza, Steve Royall and Charles Price—devised a way to measure air quality in real time.

This team was recognized for creating a first-of-its-kind air emissions calculator that helps to protect local air quality and ensures that PG&E maintains full compliance with important environmental laws and regulations. By developing the calculator, the team has helped operators at the Colusa Generating Station to proactively manage air emissions from this high-efficiency power plant. The team has made the calculator available for use at other PG&E facilities that have similar complex air-quality permits.