Press Release

Alliant Energy wins EPA’s Natural Gas STAR Continuing Excellence Award

Environmental Protection Agency recognizes work done to reduce emissions

MADISON, Wisconsin – October 21, 2009 – Alliant Energy has been recognized as a Natural Gas STAR Continuing Excellence award winner by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Each year, the EPA recognizes the efforts and achievements of outstanding Natural Gas STAR partners. Recognition is based on methane emission reductions achieved, implementation of a variety of technologies and practices, and support of program activities, initiatives and outreach.

The Natural Gas Star Program is a flexible, voluntary partnership between EPA and the oil and natural gas industry. Under the program, EPA works with companies that produce, process, transmit, and distribute natural gas to identify and implement cost-effective reductions in methane, a gas more than 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere.

“This is great recognition for Alliant Energy and our work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are committed to identifying and implementing cost-effective technologies and practices to reduce our carbon footprint,” says Eliot Protsch, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer-Alliant Energy. “This award highlights our diligent and continual efforts to reduce methane emissions and we are proud to receive it.”

Alliant Energy joined the Natural Gas STAR Program in 2003 and has submitted an annual report each year since that time. The Continuing Excellence award winner is selected based on the submission of the company’s annual report, in conjunction with a high level of performance according to the criteria used for Partner of the Year award. The Partner of the Year award is based on normalized emission reductions for the prior reporting year, achieved by implementing a variety of Natural Gas STAR technologies and practices.

EPA also considers positive reporting trends such as increasing reduction totals or expanded implementation of new technologies and practices; internal corporate programs to promote Natural Gas STAR; internal and external outreach and education; and support for Natural Gas STAR Program activities, such as Partner Update articles or Technology Transfer Workshops.

The Natural Gas STAR awards were presented at the 2009 Annual Natural Gas Star Implementation Workshop in San Antonio, Texas, which brings together Natural Gas Star partners and industry experts to discuss the latest cost-effective methane-reduction technologies and practices.

Media Contact: Nancy Craig, (319) 786-4788