The Department of Environmental Protection and Governor Paul R. LePage are seeking nominations for the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence. This is an opportunity for businesses and nonprofits to be recognized for their extraordinary work to improve and protect Maine’s natural resources.
The program recognizes entities that have gone above and beyond the required regulations by implementing innovative practices that have meaningful environmental and economic benefits.
Last year, Cary Medical Center in Caribou was among the winners. The hospital was recognized for launching the Safe Sharps Disposal Program to provide a way for the community to dispose of household medical sharps. Cary’s program was the inspiration for the DEP’s own sharps education campaign. .
Nominations are now open for the DEP-coordinated awards, which will honor entities that go beyond standard techniques or regulatory requirements to creatively meet environmental challenges or opportunities. The five award categories include: Businesses with under 20 employees; businesses with 20 to 99 employees; businesses with 100 or more employees; local, state, federal or tribal entities; and nonprofit organizations.
Award applicants will be asked to show how their project or program was innovative, collaborative and resulted in measurable and meaningful environmental and economic benefits. Finalists will undergo a compliance review by the DEP to ensure they are conforming to all laws, rules and applicable licenses administered by the department.
“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 in order to support the entities that not only move our economy forward, but also ensure that our natural resources are here for future generations.”
Completed nomination forms are available on the DEP’s website at www.maine.gov/dep, and are due by Friday, Feb. 28. Gov. LePage and DEP Commissioner Patricia W. Aho will present the awards in April to coincide with Earth Day. Self-nominations are encouraged.
The dormant environmental awards program was reinstituted in 2012 to recognize Maine’s many environmental leaders who are modeling the department’s vision of a mutually healthy environment and economy.
“We know that with our abundant natural resources and healthy environment, we have a sustainable and strong economy,” said Aho. “Recognizing Maine’s businesses, nonprofits and public entities validates their work as environmental leaders who steward our natural resources and strengthen our economy. The past two years we’ve seen innovative environmental protection work and we look forward to seeing more of this positive trend in this year’s nominations.”
For more information about the awards or to download an application, visit the website or contact Chris Swain, director of innovation and assistance, at 287-7831 or at chris.swain @maine.gov.
