7/24/2007 

Harrisburg, PA -

Governor Edward G. Rendell is seeking businesses and organizations that take on environmental challenges in ways that create new economic opportunities, enhance the bottom line, and engage residents in a renewed commitment to investing in their communities.

Applications are now available for the 2008 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence. The award is open to any Pennsylvania business, governmental agency, educational institution, nonprofit organization, individual or farm that has created or participated in the development of a project that promotes environmental stewardship and economic development in the state.

"By turning environmental challenges into economic growth, Pennsylvania is creating new opportunities for its people and communities, while supporting a whole new generation of environmentally conscious citizens and businesses," Governor Rendell said. "This award honors those who have worked so hard to improve the quality of life in Pennsylvania, as well as those who are helping to make clean energy the cornerstone of the commonwealth's new economy."

Eligible projects for the 2008 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence must have been completed between Aug. 1, 2006, and July 31, 2007. The project categories for consideration include, but are not limited to:

• Environmental technology innovation
• Pollution prevention and resource efficiency
• Community revitalization
• Environmental education and outreach
• Watershed stewardship
• Mine safety
• Clean energy innovations and environmental market development Projects will be evaluated based on environmental protection, teamwork, public service, environmental education and outreach, pollution prevention, economic impact and innovative technology.

The award program is administered by the Department of Environmental Protection.

"Those honored by this award have helped make Pennsylvania a leader in inspiring innovative solutions to environmental protection challenges and economic development opportunities," DEP Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said.

Recipients of the 2008 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence will be presented with a unique award at a press event at the winner's location. In addition, the winning projects will be showcased in numerous DEP publications and editorials and highlighted on the department's Web site.

SOURCE: Governor Edward G.Rendell