Texan by Nature, a Texas-led conservation nonprofit founded by former First Lady Laura Bush, Thursday recognized Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) in its second annual Texan by Nature 20 (TxN 20), a ranking of companies with Texas operations that have demonstrated a commitment to innovative work in conservation.
Officials share that MPC was recognized for its community investment, water conservation practices, employee volunteerism, habitat restoration, landfill diversion and reductions in energy consumption.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for our work in conservation and sustainability,” said Karen Beadle, MPC Vice President of Environment, Social & Governance and Stakeholder Engagement.
“Core to our sustainability commitment is concrete action that empowers people, contributes to progress in our communities, and conserves the natural resources we all share. We’re grateful for the partnership with Texan by Nature and for their work in highlighting innovators who are elevating sustainability throughout Texas.”
Some of the accomplishments for which MPC was recognized:
- The Marathon Petroleum Foundation invested approximately $400,000 in educational programs at 10 schools in El Paso, where MPC has refining operations.
- Â The Marathon Petroleum Foundation purchased a $100,000 mobile science, technology, engineering and math-focused education lab for the University of Texas at El Paso College of Engineering. MPC engineers travel with the lab as it visits elementary and middle schools throughout the West Texas Borderplex region.
- MPC helped to build the Paso del Norte Trail in El Paso and the Marathon Petroleum Foundation invested $50,000 to help build an additional 8.3 miles of the trail to promote environmental sustainability and conservation.
- MPLX LP (the master limited partnership sponsored by Marathon Petroleum), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and the nonprofit conservation organization CEHMM joined together in a conservation agreement to protect the Texas hornshell mussel and other covered species in the Permian Basin.
Former First Lady Bush congratulated this year’s TxN 20 honorees.
“These companies are leaders in their industry and they are innovators in conservation,” she said. “I am thrilled to recognize their efforts, and I encourage other companies to follow their example. Together, we can keep Texas thriving for the next generation.”
