FORT WORTH, Texas-

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has awarded American Airlines its 2005 Governor's Award for outstanding efforts in environmental protection and pollution prevention.

The award, given in the Large Business Technical category, was presented at a banquet Wednesday night in Austin with state officials and commission members in attendance.

Representing American at the banquet were David Campbell, Vice President- Alliance Maintenance Base (AFW); Holly Blake, Managing Director-Facilities Maintenance, AFW; Bud Chaffin, Manager of Environmental, AFW; Bill O'Neill, Crew Chief -- Wastewater Treatment, AFW; Starr Austin, Environmental Analyst, AFW, and mechanics from the wastewater plant.

American is the first airline to win this prestigious award.

"In Texas, we understand that the air we breathe, the water we drink and the land we inhabit are not only essential to our quality of life but to the quality of life that will be enjoyed by our children and grandchildren," Gov. Rick Perry said. "These awards honor a diverse group of individuals and organizations that have gone far beyond the call of duty in protecting Texas' environment."

American's wastewater treatment plant recycles water used at the base to wash aircraft, recirculate in the cooling towers, process rinse water tanks, and irrigate the landscape. It has saved almost $1 million since 2002. The project started in 1998.

American also won for its reduction and handling of hazardous waste at its Alliance base, saving $229,000 after a $2,000 investment. It uses a bar code system to track the hazardous waste in more detail and that has reduced such waste by 50 percent since 2000.

"Protecting the earth's environment and resources for ourselves, our children and their children is of utmost importance to all of us," Campbell said. "Our employees realize that it's important to keep the environment safe and clean, even as they strive to drive costs down. I am very proud of the efforts of our workers, and the progress they have made. This award is for all of the employees at the Alliance Maintenance Base."

Source: American Airlines, Inc.