(15/P64) TRENTON – The 2015 application for the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards program is now available. Leaders in New Jersey’s environmental, academic, business, science, government, non-profit and youth sectors are encouraged to showcase their environmental accomplishments by submitting a nomination for consideration this year.

Completed applications are due by the close of business on September 30.

The Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards (GEEA) Program recognizes outstanding environmental performance, program and projects throughout the state. The awards honor individuals, businesses, institutions, communities, organizations, educators, youths and others who have made significant contributions to environmental protection in New Jersey.  Since its establishment in 2000, 130 GEEA winners have been recognized for their accomplishments.

“The recipients of this annual awards program annually set an example of environmental excellence for others to follow, because of their dedication to environmental protection,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bob Martin. “I am always pleased to see how the winners and other participants set a very high standard and demonstrate true environmental leadership through their actions.”

Nominations can be submitted for the following categories: Clean Air; Healthy Ecosystems; Water Resources; Land Conservation; Healthy and Sustainable Communities; Healthy and Sustainable Businesses; Innovative Technology; and Environmentalist of the Year. The category for Environmental Education is divided into two categories – one for adult-led education initiatives and one for projects that are student-led or have succeeded because of a high level of student involvement.

“I am greatly impressed by the commitment, accomplishment and expertise demonstrated by these award recipients,” said David Zimmer, Executive Director of the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust and a primary supporter of the awards program. “This is a valuable awards program that recognizes such efforts and the NJEIT is proud to be associated with it.”

The Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards Program is sponsored by the New Jersey DEP, the NJEIT and the New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology, in partnership with the New Jersey League of Municipalities. Award winners will be honored at a luncheon and program to be held in December.

The 2015 application and other awards information can be found at www.nj.gov/dep/eeawards.
For information about the program, please contact Tanya Oznowich at (609) 984-9802 or Tanya.Oznowich@dep.nj.gov

Completed applications must be received at the DEP by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2015.