DEP OPENS NOMINATION PERIOD FOR 2019 GOVERNOR’S ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS PROGRAM

(19/P068) TRENTON –The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection invites those on the front lines of protecting New Jersey’s environment to nominate individuals, businesses or organizations in the public and private sectors for consideration of a 2019 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award, Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe announced today.

The annual awards recognize outstanding environmental performance, programs and projects by businesses, communities, educators, individuals, institutions, organizations and youth from around New Jersey. Since its establishment in 2000, the program has honored 179 winners for their environmental achievements.

“New Jersey is proud to honor those who work hard every day and set a strong example of what it means to protect the environment,” Commissioner McCabe said. “Past winners of Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards have shown dedication to environmental protection in a variety of sectors, including working to reduce the harmful effects of climate change, increasing sustainable practices or repairing water infrastructure. I look forward to congratulating this year’s winners for their outstanding commitment to our environment.”

Nominations may be submitted through Friday, Oct. 4 in the categories of Climate Change and Clean Air, Water Resources, Health Ecosystems and Habitats, Land Conservation, Healthy and Sustainable Communities, Healthy and Sustainable Businesses, and two categories in Environmental Education: Educator-Led and Student-Led Projects.

The excellence awards program is sponsored by the DEP, New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (I-Bank) and the New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology. Award winners will be honored at a luncheon in December.

“Those who safeguard New Jersey’s environment are deserving of special recognition,” said David Zimmer, Executive Director of the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. “The Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards are always an exciting event as they provide us the opportunity to hear about the many projects across the state that are nominated for both their innovation and success in conservation and environmental protection.”

The I-Bank is an independent State Financing Authority that partners with peer agencies to provide low-interest-rate financing for infrastructure projects in New Jersey. The I-Bank, in partnership with the DEP, jointly administers the New Jersey Water Bank to make low-interest-rate loans to governmental and public water systems for wastewater, storm water and drinking water infrastructure projects that preserve and protect water quality and public health and support sustainable economic development in the process.

The I-Bank also partners with the New Jersey Department of Transportation to make low-interest-rate loans to government entities for local transportation infrastructure projects.

Completed applications for the 2019 awards program must be received by the DEP by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4.

For a 2019 nominating application and other awards information, visit www.nj.gov/dep/awards/.

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