ATLANTA – Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products today announced that it has joined the SmartWay Transport Partnership, an innovative collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the freight industry designed to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing air pollution.

By continually working to improve freight operations, Georgia-Pacific will contribute to the partnership’s goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 33 million to 66 million metric tons and nitrogen oxide by up to 200,000 tons annually by 2012. By joining SmartWay Transport Partnership, Georgia-Pacific demonstrates its strong environmental leadership and corporate responsibility.

Margo T. Oge, director of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality, EPA, said, “I commend Georgia-Pacific for their leadership in promoting sustainable transportation practices through the SmartWay Transport Partnership. This demonstrates a commitment to a cleaner environment and more secure energy supply.”

Paul Snider, Georgia-Pacific vice president – transportation, said, “Georgia-Pacific’s Consumer Products transportation and logistics group constantly seeks ways to make its operations more efficient and effective so that we can serve our customers better, use resources wisely and minimize our impact on the environment. We’re committed to this partnership because it focuses on resource sustainability through best business practices and sound technology application, and we’re encouraging our freight carriers to join the partnership for the same reason.”

Launched in February 2004, the SmartWay Transport Partnership aims to achieve fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of fuel per year, equivalent to taking about 12 million cars off the road. The Partnership brings together major freight shippers, trucking companies, railroads, logistics companies and trade/professional associations to pursue mutually beneficial efficiencies that result in emissions reductions and other environmental improvements, as well as cost savings to the companies. The Partnership currently has more than 450 partners.

For information about the SmartWay Transport Partnership visit www.epa.gov/smartway.