TRENTON, N.J. — The Sherrill administration is accepting nominations for the 27th annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards, recognizing individuals, businesses, organizations and communities that have developed innovative solutions to environmental challenges across New Jersey.
The awards, administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, are considered the state’s premier environmental recognition program. Nominations are due by Friday, Aug. 28.
Individuals may nominate themselves, their employer or another person, business, institution or organization. There is no fee to apply, and only one application per nominee will be accepted.
“Innovative people who care deeply about our environment are tackling challenges and creating solutions that better protect public health and natural resources while strengthening our communities,” said Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak. “If you or someone you know is one of these people, please nominate them for a Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award so that we can recognize them for the great work they are doing.”
The 2026 awards program includes two new categories that reflect the Sherrill administration’s priorities: Energy Affordability and Innovation, which highlights efforts to reduce energy costs and improve efficiency, and Flooding and Climate Resilience, which recognizes projects that help communities prepare for climate-related impacts.
Nominations also are being accepted in the following categories:
- Watershed Management and Water Resources
- Ecosystem Stewardship
- Environmental Justice
- Healthy Communities
- Sustainability and Waste Reduction
- Environmental Education
- James J. Florio Emerging Environmental Leader, for nominees age 24 and younger
Nominees will be evaluated based on environmental impact, leadership, innovation, public outreach and how their work advances New Jersey’s environmental priorities.
The DEP and the New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology sponsor the awards program, which has recognized more than 200 recipients since it was established in 2000.
Award recipients will be notified in late fall and honored during a ceremony in December.
More information about the award categories, eligibility requirements and the nomination process is available on the DEP’s Awards Overview webpage.
