November 10, 2022
“It’s important that we fund the things we’re working toward as a company,” said Beth Whited, Union Pacific’s executive vice president – Sustainability and Strategy. “Adding this new pillar allows us to do that in an effective, new way that impacts communities across the country.”
The new Environmental Sustainability pillar allows Union Pacific to support projects led by environmental nonprofits and community-based organizations that align with the company’s Community Ties Giving Program mission and sustainability goals. It is one of several new environmental initiatives Union Pacific has undertaken since announcing its Climate Action Plan in 2021, including increasing the use of alternative low-carbon fuels and investing in battery-operated locomotives.
As part of this work, Union Pacific is proud to work with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) on three community-level projects in Nebraska, California and Texas.
“One of the best tools we have for combating climate change is nature,” said Suzanne Scott, state director for TNC in Texas. “This generous gift from Union Pacific will help TNC expand our work in places that have been impacted by a changing climate. Each of these projects are designed to improve water quality and resiliency for communities in Nebraska, California, and Texas. We’re grateful to Union Pacific for recognizing nature’s potential as a climate solution and for their support of this important work.”
Over the next three years, Union Pacific will donate a total of $3 million across three projects led by TNC:
The projects selected for funding tie into the company’s environmental sustainability objectives, which are to: preserve and restore nature; protect and enhance water or air quality; reduce waste; develop environmental stewards; and advance a green economy.
“We’re excited about the impact these projects will have on businesses we work with, communities where we operate and people we serve,” said Craig Ingrisano, President of Planet Tracks, Union Pacific’s Business Resource Group focused on sustainability and environmental issues. “It’s another step in furthering our mission to build a more sustainable economy for the next generation.”
Other pillars in Union Pacific’s Community Ties Giving Program are Safety, Workforce Development and Community Spaces. Like these pillars, the company will offer local and regional grants under the Environmental Sustainability pillar.