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Yesterday, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) named BNSF Railway Co. Senior Manager of Corporate Facilities Charles Keltner the recipient of this year’s John H. Chafee Environmental Excellence Award. The association also honored Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) as the winner of the Congressional Chafee Award, which recognizes a member of Congress who demonstrates a dedication to the environment.

“Senator Lautenberg has emphasized his support of the environment and his support for an environmentally sound, balanced transportation system throughout his career,” said AAR President and Chief Executive Officer Ed Hamberger in a prepared statement.

The association chose Keltner for developing programs at BNSF’s Fort Worth, Texas, corporate campus that reduced irrigation needs by 30 million gallons; implementing a single-stream recycling program that recovers almost half of all waste generated; and using “innovative” roofing materials that reduce air conditioning needs up to 15 percent.

The environmental excellence award is named after former U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee's late father, a former senator from Rhode Island who promoted the environmental advantages of rail transportation. The AAR presents the award annually to recognize a railroad employee who has demonstrated "outstanding environmental awareness and responsibility."

The other four railroaders nominated for the award were: Norfolk Southern Corp. Special Agent Bob Karwoski; Canadian Pacific Supervisor of Structures Ron Kotylak; Union Pacific Railroad Senior Manager of Research and Development Chuck Kunkel; and CSX Corp. Director of Advanced Engineering Kenneth Lewis.