Jan. 13, 2009 — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants nominations for its annual awards honoring those who help the environment.
"This coming April we will again celebrate Earth Day, a day for us all to reflect on the importance of the environment," EPA Region 2 Administrator Alan J. Steinberg said in a news release. "What better way for us to mark that occasion than by honoring those organizations and individuals whose work has furthered the cause of the environment and whose dedication stands as an inspiration to us all."
To be selected, those nominated must have significantly contributed to improving environmental quality during the previous year, demonstrated a high achievement level in the award category, and created unique or location-specific benefits, produced results that are sustainable or reproducible, or increased public involvement in environmental action.
Nominations must be submitted by Feb. 23. They can be mailed or emailed. Self-nominations are welcomed.
EPA makes awards in six categories: individual citizen; non-profit organization; environmental or community group; environmental education; business and industry; federal, state, local, or tribal government agency; and press and media.
Nominations should include a description of the individual or organization's achievements and give reasons why they deserve special recognition.
Last year's winners were Mirko Restovic, an engineer with the V.I. Waste Management Agency. He won in the Federal, State, Local, or Tribal Government or Agency category for his many years of work on the territory's wastewater-treatment facilities.
Laurel Brannick, an environmental educator at V.I. National Park, won in the Environmental Education category for her work with children.
The V.I. Resource and Conservation Council won in the Non-Profit Organization, Environmental or Community Group category for its programs helping the community solve its environmental problems.
Although there's no way to quantify the effect, the awards do have an impact on the environment, EPA spokesman Chris Sebastian said from his New York office.
"People read about it and say they want to get involved," he said.
Those who receive the awards are encouraged to continue or expand their work, and Sebastian said they bring other people into the cause.
"It builds a groundswell," he said.
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