TRENTON, N.J. — The Murphy administration on Wednesday opened nominations for the 26th annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards, the state’s premier program recognizing outstanding contributions to environmental protection and sustainability.
The awards, coordinated by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), honor individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and communities that have demonstrated significant achievements in protecting New Jersey’s air, land, water, and natural resources.
“Across New Jersey, many people work hard every day to protect and enhance our environment,” said DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “The Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award program is our chance to thank the environmental heroes among us and give them the recognition they deserve as trailblazers that serve as an inspiration to all of us.”
Interested applicants may nominate themselves or others, including employers, companies, institutions, or organizations. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, Aug. 29, and only one application per nominee will be accepted. There is no fee to apply.
This year’s awards will be presented in nine categories:
- Climate Resilience
- Climate Change Mitigation
- Watershed Management and Water Resources
- Healthy Ecosystems and Habitats
- Healthy Communities
- Sustainability and Waste Reduction
- Environmental Justice
- Environmental Educator
- James J. Florio Emerging Environmental Leader (for New Jersey youth up to age 24)
Nominees will be evaluated based on their environmental impact, ability to address state needs, leadership and innovation, and efforts to engage their communities through outreach and education.
The awards are sponsored by the DEP, the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, and the New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology. Since its inception in 2000, the program has recognized more than 200 award recipients.
“The significance of these awards is our recognition of the efforts of everyday individuals to make New Jersey a cleaner, safer and better place to live,” said David Zimmer, Executive Director of the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank.
Winners will be notified in the late fall and formally honored at an awards ceremony in December.
More information and nomination forms are available on the DEP’s website.
