As part of our fight against pollution and the depletion of our natural resources, we support or take an active role in several programs that promote a cleaner environment. In 2009, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality awarded TxDOT with the Texas Environmental Excellence Award.

Program	Description
Air Quality	TxDOT actively works to limit emissions from its vehicles and machinery.
Alternative Fuels	We maintain a fleet of alternative fuel vehicles to reduce fuel costs and pollution.
Drive Clean Across Texas	This statewide campaign promotes pollution awareness, educates the public how to limit emissions and shows them the effects of changing driving habits.
Clean Air Plan	We encourage our employees to follow the example set by the Drive Clean Across Texas campaign. TxDOT is the first state agency that rewards employees changing how they commute and requires districts and divisions to have environmentally-friendly business practices.
Ozone Action Days	Days that are forecasted to be warm, sunny and still are declared Ozone Action Days, when unhealthy amounts of zone may accumulate.
SmartWay Transport	This voluntary partnership between the freight industry and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides incentives for fuel efficiency improvements and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. We were the first state transportation agency to join the initiative.
Wetlands Preservation	We preserve and restore wetlands throughout the state, including through the creation of new banks.

Recycled Materials

Throughout the construction process, from design to build, TxDOT follows guidelines to ensure that recycled materials are used and any negative impact on the environment is minimal.

Program	Description
Asphalt Roofing Shingles	Asphalt roofing shingles contain at least 20 percent asphalt, providing an economical additive to pavement.
Compost	TxDOT is one of the largest users of the compost in the nation and uses recycled materials to improve or stabilize soil.
Recycled Asphalt Pavement	Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement reduces costs, improves durability, preserves resources and saves landfill space.
Recycled Concrete Aggregate	Recycled Concrete Aggregate is cheaper, more efficient and uses fewer natural resources.
Scrap Tires	Old tires are used for hot mix, underseals and surface treatments, saving landfill space and reusing valuable resources.