FirstEnergy is to issue a report on some of its environmental activities, in response to a shareholder proposal. The company said the report will be based on an internal assessment of regulatory, competitive and public concerns related to emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury.
We’re proud of our environmental accomplishments and look forward to providing that information publicly, said Richard Grigg, FirstEnergy executive vice president and chief operating officer. Issuing this report supports our corporate governance efforts to be responsive to shareholders, as well as our efforts to continually look for new ways to enhance environmental protection.
FirstEnergy companies own and operate approximately 13,400 megawatts of generating capacity in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Since enactment of the Clean Air Act, the company has spent more than $5 billion on environmental protection, and since 1990, has reduced emissions of sulfur dioxide by 58% and emissions of nitrogen oxides by 69%.
The shareholder proposal, which was withdrawn following the company’s decision to issue the report, was made by the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Marianist Province of the United States. The report will be completed by December 1, 2005, and will be posted on the company’s website.