WASHINGTON D.C. — Earth Day goes hand in hand with raising
environmental awareness — and this year the American Association
of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) used the
occasion to share the many ways its members are protecting the
environment. "State transportation departments are finding ways
to strike a balance between building the highways, bridges, and
mass transit systems America desperately needs, while being
responsible environmental stewards," said John Horsley, AASHTO
executive director. "Earth Day is an excellent time to draw
attention to the many state DOT success stories that might
otherwise go untold." States are utilizing a comprehensive
approach to minimize their carbon footprint, save precious
resources and protect and preserve sensitive ecosystems. The
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is
dramatically reducing energy usage while improving safety by
installing 40,000 LED street lights to replace existing fixtures
over a two-year period. The cost of the ligh