SAN FRANCISCO A new high-profile industry award has been developed to recognize a motorcoach operator that demonstrates "environmental stewardship" through corporate initiative, community involvement, or industry leadership.

The "Green Highway Award" has been created by Motor Coach Industries, in conjunction with the United Motorcoach Association.

It will be presented for the first time in January at UMA Motorcoach Expo 2008, during the annual Vision Awards banquet. Next years Expo will be Jan. 16-20 in San Francisco.

"Motorcoaches can help reduce overall carbon emissions and lessen our dependence on fossil fuels, and we want to encourage operators to take a leading role in promoting the green benefits of our industry," said Patricia Ziska, MCI vice president and chief customer officer.

Examples of award-worthy activities might include internal recycling programs, carbon offset programs, community green initiatives, and campaigns that promote motorcoaches as an eco-friendly means of transportation.

The winner will be selected by a jury of environmental and coach industry leaders. Ziska will be one of the judges.

The award is open to coach operators that a members of UMA.

"We're encouraging all our members -- operators, associates and travel partners -- to submit nominations," said Victor Para, president and CEO of UMA.

"Operators also can nominate themselves or a peer whose activities demonstrate a culture of environmental responsibility and leadership."

Nomination forms will be available shortly on the UMA Website, www.uma.org. Deadline for nominations is Nov. 30.

For more information, go to www.uma.org, or call UMA at (800) 424-8262.