The San Francisco Bay area and Monterey Bay credits were generated through the shutdown of fossil-fueled steam plants. The Mojave and Sacramento credits were generated through the control of natural gas compressor emissions. About half of the total value reflects Bay area credits, and about half of those credits are restricted to mitigating fossil-fueled power plant emissions. Despite the fact that our businesses operate under some of the most stringent air emission standards in the country, a number of our generation facilities reduced emissions below their permit levels. Surplus credits were generated at these facilities through voluntary early emissions reductions in 1997 and 1998.
Technology is essential to superior environmental performance.
During 1998, we provided environmental training to approximately 12,000 employees. In addition, approximately 327 utility personnel received training on sensitive biological and cultural resources. Employee training is an ongoing activity to ensure that environmental goals are communicated to all personnel. For example, in Texas in 1998, a new training program was initiated to instruct employees in environmental and safe loading practices. Our environmental training programs focus not only on what can go wrong, but on knowing why.