EPA Seeks Nominations for Annual Environmental Quality Awards

Each year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honors individuals, businesses and organizations that have contributed significantly to improving the environment and protecting public health in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and eight federally recognized Indian Nations over the past year. EPA is now seeking nominations for this annual award. Winners will be honored at an awards event in April 2011. Each winner will receive a plaque recognizing his or her environmental achievement at a ceremony in late April coinciding with Earth Day. The Agency is accepting nominations for its Environmental Quality Awards until Feb. 22, 2011.

"What better way to mark the annual celebration of Earth Day than by honoring those organizations and individuals whose work has preserved and restored the environment and improved public health,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck. “The achievements and dedication of each year’s Environmental Quality Award winners are an inspiration to us all and I urge that you nominate people through EPA’s website.”

The awards recognize achievement in six categories:

• Individual Citizen; • Non-Profit Organization, Environmental or Community Group; • Environmental Education; • Business and Industry; • Federal, State, Local or Tribal Government or Agency; and • Press and Media.

Source: U.S. EPA