LaVERGNE, Tenn. (Feb. 22, 2005) – Five Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) tire plants welcome a sister facility in sharing recognition for their outstanding environmental performance. BFNT’s LaVergne, Tenn., facility was recently accepted into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Environmental Performance Track (NEPT) program.

“Gaining acceptance into NEPT is a testament to the LaVergne plant’s ongoing commitment to environmental excellence,” said Greer Tidwell, director of environmental management for BFNT. “Our participation in NEPT dates back to 2000, when we were the first tire company accepted into the program. Seeing LaVergne join this group is a source of pride for our entire family, and demonstrates to all of our teammates that BFNT cares about its communities.”

The EPA created the voluntary NEPT program to reward and recognize companies that show a commitment to environmental performance that goes above and beyond current requirements and that have a proven track record of improving environmental performance over time.

In order to qualify for the NEPT program, the LaVergne facility fulfilled a number of requirements including maintaining a record of sustained compliance with environmental regulations and incorporating systems and safeguards in its strategic planning process to reduce environmental impacts; enhancing its systems to evaluate environmental performance; and making any needed mid-course corrections to maintain its environmental commitment.

“This honor is a reflection of a lot of care and hard work that teammates at the plant have demonstrated on behalf of the environment for many years,” said Ron Brooks, plant manager at the LaVergne facility. “We’re proud that we’re able to produce great results not just in the tires we produce, but in our local environment as well.”

The LaVergne plant is the sixth BFNT facility to be accepted into this prestigious program. Four facilities, located in Des Moines, Iowa; Warren County, Tenn.; Aiken County, S.C., and Oklahoma City, joined the highly selective program as charter members in 2000. BFNT’s Bloomington, Ill., facility joined the program in 2003.

“EPA Region 4 congratulates and welcomes Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire’s LaVergne, Tenn., facility to the Performance Track program and appreciates the opportunity to partner with environmental leaders, such as Bridgestone Firestone, to attain positive results for the environment and to work collaboratively to address more complex environmental challenges facing the Southeast,” said Reginald Barrino, coordinator, EPA Office of Environmental Accountability Performance Track.