AUGUSTA, Maine – The Department of Environmental Protection and Governor Paul R. LePage encourage entities that have gone above and beyond required regulations by implementing innovative practices that have meaningful environmental and economic benefits to apply for the state’s environmental excellence awards.
Nominations are now open for the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence, which will honor businesses or organizations that go beyond standard techniques or regulatory requirements to creatively meet environmental challenges or opportunities. The five award categories include: small, medium and large businesses; local, state, federal or tribal entities; and nonprofit organizations.
This is an opportunity for businesses, nonprofits and public entities to be recognized for their extraordinary work to improve and protect Maine’s natural resources.
“Our job creators grow the economy and help steward Maine’s natural resources,” said LePage. “The Governor’s Awards on Environmental Excellence recognize leaders who take innovative approaches to protect our natural resources and strengthen our economy. My administration was proud to have re-launched these awards to support the entities that not only move our economy forward, but also ensure that our natural resources are here for the enjoyment of future generations.”
“Our natural resources are the State of Maine’s greatest asset and I believe the state’s economy can improve while maintaining our environment,” said Maine DEP Commissioner Paul Mercer. “The Environmental Excellence Awards celebrate and encourage those Maine businesses, nonprofits and public entities who have successfully balanced both.”
Award applicants must explain how their recent project or program was innovative, collaborative and resulted in measurable and meaningful environmental and economic benefits. Completed Application forms are due to the department by Friday, June 23.
For more information about the awards or to download an application, visit http://www.maine.gov/dep/govaward or contact David Madore, director of communications, education and outreach, at 287-5842 or david.madore@maine.gov.
