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Amtrak Joins Earth Month Activities America’s Railroad® Hosts Sustainability Day at Washington Union Station


WEBWIRE

WASHINGTON – April is Earth Month and Amtrak is partnering with the Earth Day Network, and Premier Tourist and Landmark Association to host “Sustainability Day” on April 23 at Washington Union Station.

Earth Month activities at Washington Union Station will feature daily event offerings to include exhibits and activities such as an alternative energy show, a youth art contest and the NASA Earth Tent. Events are free and open to all ages.

The Amtrak event will feature a display of its Auto Train, which helps passengers minimize their impact on the environment by transporting their vehicle between Lorton, Va., and Sanford, Fla. The amount of greenhouse gasses reduced each year using the Auto Train is equivalent to taking 3,478 cars off the road for a full year.

“More and more people are recognizing the benefits of traveling by rail, which uses less energy per passenger mile than car or air travel. Amtrak is working hard every day to become a more sustainable company, by taking steps such as reducing energy use at our maintenance facilities and stations,” said Craig Caldwell, Amtrak Environmental Superintendent.

In addition, the Washington Union Station event will feature other green benefits of train travel such as on-board recycling and information on how to offset the carbon emissions footprint generated by individual rail travel through Carbonfund.org.

“The participation of Amtrak in Earth Month 2013 is an important reminder that mass transit and intercity rail service is an important component in getting people out of their cars and to their destinations,” said Kathleen Rogers, president of Earth Day Network. “We are pleased to have them celebrating Earth Month with us at Union Station.”

“Amtrak is an important partner for Union Station serving more than five million passengers annually,” said Roy Staeck, vice president of business development of Washington Union Station. “Recognized as one of the more energy-efficient modes of transportation, Amtrak’s involvement in Earth Month 2013 aligns perfectly with our commitment to spreading a message of sustainability and conservation to worldwide audiences.”


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About Amtrak®
Amtrak is America’s Railroad®, the nation’s intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator. A record 31.2 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY 2012 on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Amtrak operates intercity trains in partnership with 15 states and contracts with 13 commuter rail agencies to provide a variety of services. Enjoy the journey® at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Join us on facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us at twitter.com/Amtrak.

About Earth Day Network
Earth Day Network’s mission is to broaden, diversify and mobilize the environmental movement. EDN coordinates Earth Day, mobilizing over one billion people in 192 countries every year on environmental challenges impacting our health, quality of life and the natural world. Year-round, EDN is a leader on environmental education and green school buildings. EDN also plants millions of trees worldwide – in the places that need them most – and works to expand the emerging green economy and protect natural lands. For more information, visit www.earthday.org.

About Premier Tourist and Landmark Association
PTALA is an agency that specializes in the marketing and promotion of destination venues. An association of the prominent Tourist Destination Venues and Attractions in North America, PTALA works to maximize the guest experience and provide comprehensive, unique marketing platform solutions for a variety of clients including Union Station, Washington D.C., Harborplace in Baltimore, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, and River Center in San Antonio, Texas. For more information, visit www.ptala.com.

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