DALLAS – One lucky driver in the Lone Star State has a new reason to breathe easier. Drive Clean Across Texas, the nation’s first statewide air quality public education campaign, this week announced that Florence Tarrant of Bullard, Texas is the grand prize winner of its annual online sweepstakes that promotes ways to reduce air pollution.

Tarrant, a 68-year-old, semi-retired plastics factory worker, picked up a new 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid at a press event Thursday morning in Dallas. Representatives from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) joined campaign partners NAPA Auto Parts and the Dallas Cowboys to present her with the keys at the Dallas Cowboys’ Valley Ranch headquarters. NAPA Auto Parts donated the hybrid vehicle in a show of support for the air quality campaign.

Tarrant was selected in a random drawing from among 37,000 entries. Since entering the Drive Clean sweepstakes and taking its “clean air challenge,” she has focused on two key recommendations of the Drive Clean campaign – driving within the speed limit and combining trips in her vehicle – to do her part to help clean up the air in Texas.

“We are thrilled to turn over the hybrid to an environmental steward like Florence who exemplifies what Drive Clean Across Texas is all about,” said Dianna Noble, Director of TxDOT’s Environmental Affairs Division. “We encourage all Texans to follow her lead and do their part to reduce air pollution. We wish her many happy years ‘driving green’ in her new hybrid SUV.”

Driving a hybrid or other fuel-efficient vehicle is among things motorists can do to help improve air quality in the Lone Star State, campaign organizers say. By driving a vehicle that pollutes less, drivers not only keep the air cleaner, they save money at the pump.

“I’m delighted that I’ll now be driving a more eco-friendly vehicle,” said Tarrant. “To celebrate, I plan on driving my new car to the Texas Panhandle to visit my mother.”

Drive Clean Across Texas organizers from TxDOT and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality say there are plenty of other steps drivers can take to reduce harmful vehicle emissions. Keeping cars and trucks well maintained tops the list of clean air suggestions. A poorly maintained vehicle can release 10 times more pollution than one in top condition.

To get tips on how to “drive green” while saving money at the gas pump, visit the campaign’s website at www.drivecleanacrosstexas.org.