HARRISBURG – Gov. Edward G. Rendell is recognizing businesses and organizations addressing environmental challenges in ways that create new economic opportunities and engage residents in a renewed commitment to investing in their communities.
Applications for the 2009 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence are now available online. The award program is administered by the Department of Environmental Protection.
“These awards recognize businesses and organizations that believe a clean environment leads to a competitive and vibrant economy,” said Rendell. “Past awards recipients are working to make our communities stronger. The projects they’ve undertaken are reducing pollution, fostering a cleaner environment, using more emission-free energy sources, and preparing a whole new generation of Pennsylvanians to be better stewards of our resources.
“Now, we’re looking for additional companies and groups that are continuing this good work.”
The award is open to any Pennsylvania business, governmental agency, educational institution, nonprofit organization, individual or farm that has created, or participated in, the development of a project that promotes environmental stewardship and economic development in the state.
Eligible projects must have been completed between Aug.1, 2007, and July 31, 2008. The project categories for consideration include, but are not limited, to:
• Environmental technology innovation
• Pollution prevention and resource efficiency
• Community revitalization
• Environmental education and outreach
• Watershed stewardship
• Mine safety
• Clean energy innovations and environmental market development
Projects will be evaluated based on environmental protection, teamwork, public service, environmental education and outreach, pollution prevention, economic impact and innovative technology.
Recipients of the 2009 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence will be presented with a unique award during an evening reception. In addition, the winning projects will be showcased in numerous DEP publications and editorials and highlighted on the department’s Web site.
The deadline to submit projects for consideration is March 9.
To download an application, visit here and then click on “2009 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.”
