Anderson Elementary School is receiving an initial gift of $37,500 from American Environmental Landfill (AEL) and their renewable energy partner Montauk Energy and the money won’t stop there! Both companies have also committed a donation of $15,000 combined annually. As the power plant continues to capture methane for the next 50 plus years and convert it into electricity for thousands of Oklahomans, this sustainable partnership will be responsible for over $750,000 invested into education at this local elementary school less than a quarter mile from the landfill.
Recently Anderson Elementary School superintendent, Brett Banker, has faced two consecutive years of budget cuts and, as a result, called upon Todd Green at American Environmental Landfill for help. “I knew the landfill provided electricity to the grid and so I approached Todd Green of American Environmental Landfill and asked him if the landfill would help Anderson Elementary School with our electric bill. With the recent budget cuts, we needed the landfill to help us keep our lights on!”
As a neighbor to Anderson Public School, Todd Green, Vice President of Landfill Operations for American Environmental Landfill, has felt the need to help Anderson School through tasks ranging from the use of equipment to move playground pieces, remediating a 60 year old raw sewage lagoon and installing ½ mile of nature trails and an outdoor classroom, mowing and providing educational tours to students showcasing the waste-to-energy landfill and honey bee farm. And today – by helping keep the lights on!
“Working with a partner like American Environmental Landfill, who is aligned with our goal of enjoying the benefits of a triple bottom line at each of our projects – people, planet, and profits – has been ideal for Montauk Energy. AEL has been a tremendous partner in facilitating the commercial operation of the first renewable energy project in Oklahoma fueled by landfill gas in 2013 that continues to provide green power to residents in Osage County,” said Montauk’s CEO Marty Ryan, Esq.
Anderson Public Schools superintendent, Brett Banker, was thrilled to get this commitment from Todd Green at AEL and Montauk Energy as public education in Oklahoma relies on private parties such as these to help them meet nationwide education standards and reduce deficits as budget cuts continue. “The first thing we are going to do with this donation is to replace our 12-year-old reading/education material that will affect thousands of children over a six-year period,” said Banker. “American Environmental Landfill has been a phenomenal neighbor; Todd has been great to work with over the last several years. AEL has been making donations based off how much the school recycles using their Mr. Murph containers, brought equipment when they needed help putting in new playground pieces and even helps with mowing. Their partnership with the school has been tremendous,” continued Mr. Banker.
For more information, visit www.aelok.com.