Administrator Wheeler Tours Hoover Dam, Participates in Food Waste Reduction Event at MGM

EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler Tours The Hoover Dam. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler continued his swing through the Nevada area today, taking a tour of the Hoover Dam and attending a water reuse and food waste reduction event at MGM’s ARIA Resort. This follows yesterday’s announcement on the 2030 Food Loss and Waste Champions. His trip will conclude tomorrow at the National Home Builders International Builders’ Show where he will be giving remarks.

Administrator Wheeler kicked off the day at the Hoover Dam with a tour provided by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The tour discussed the dam’s beginnings during the Great Depression, the construction phase, which took less than five years, and current uses including the delivery of water resources to millions of Americans in Nevada, Arizona, and California.

At MGM’s ARIA Resort, Administrator Wheeler visited at The Park and learned about MGM’s work to improve water efficiency and implement water reuse activities throughout their property. He then met with various kitchen staff members in Aria’s dining room and witnessed food loss and waste prevention measures in place.

After viewing the food’s journey from kitchen to the dining room, Administrator Wheeler observed an active food diverting exercise at Aria’s recycling dock. MGM partners with Three Square Food Bank through MGM’s food donation program, which donates unserved prepared foods safely rescued from events to the food bank for future use. EPA staff then toured Three Square Food Bank’s facilities after receiving an overview of how the food bank reuses and repurposes food donations from MGM.

“It was an honor to visit MGM’s facilities and see the continuing work being done to reduce food waste and conserve energy,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Food waste is an environmental issue that the Trump Administration will continue to work with our public and private partners to address and reduce.”

“We are honored to host EPA Administrator Wheeler today at The Park and ARIA to learn about our leading sustainable best practices,” said Jyoti Chopra, Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity and Sustainability Officer for MGM Resorts International. “Our water conservation and food waste management initiatives are among our top priorities and exemplify MGM’s innovative focus on mitigating loss and protecting our planet.”

MGM was recently recognized as the winner of EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge Award for Hotels, Resorts and Lodging in 2018. They also are a 2030 Food Loss and Waste Champion through the joint U.S. Department of Agriculture-EPA program.