(16/P64) TRENTON – Leaders in New Jersey’s environmental, academic, business, science, government, nonprofit and youth sectors are encouraged to showcase their environmental accomplishments by submitting nominations for consideration in the annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards (GEEA) program.

The 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, the program has recognized 140 GEEA winners for their accomplishments.

“The winners of this annual awards program annually set a bar of excellence in New Jersey for others to follow because of their commitment and dedication to the environment,” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin. “Consequently, their actions and accomplishments demonstrate fine examples of true environmental leadership that benefit us all.”

Nominations may be submitted in these categories: Clean Air, Healthy Ecosystems, Water Resources, Land Conservation, Healthy and Sustainable Communities, Healthy and Sustainable Businesses, and Innovative Technology. 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 GEEA program is sponsored by the DEP, 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 in Trenton.

Completed 2016 applications are due to the DEP by 5 p.m. Wednesday, September 28.

For a 2016 nominating application and other awards information, visit: www.nj.gov/dep/eeawards

To learn more about the program, please call Tanya Oznowich at (609) 984-9802 or email Tanya.Oznowich@dep.nj.gov