The Department of Environmental Protection and Gov. Paul R. LePage are seeking nominations from Maine’s leaders in sustainability for the state’s environmental excellence awards. This is an opportunity for businesses, nonprofits and public entities to be recognized for their extraordinary work to improve and protect Maine’s natural resources. The department and the governor encourage entities that have gone above and beyond required regulations by implementing innovative practices that have meaningful environmental and economic benefits to apply. 

“Job creators grow the economy and help steward Maine’s natural resources,” said Gov. LePage. “The Governor’s Awards on Environmental Excellence recognizes leaders who take innovative approaches to protect our natural resources and strengthen our economy. My Administration was proud to have re-launched these awards in order to support the entities that not only move our economy forward, but also ensure that our natural resources are here for future generations.”   

Nominations are now open for the DEP-administered Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence, which will honor entities that go beyond standard techniques or regulatory requirements to creatively meet environmental challenges or opportunities. The five award categories include: businesses with under 20 employees; businesses with 20 to 99 employees; businesses with 100 or more employees; local, state, federal or tribal entities; and nonprofit organizations.

Award applicants will be asked to show how their project or program was innovative, collaborative and resulted in measurable and meaningful environmental and economic benefits. Finalists will undergo a compliance review by the DEP to ensure they are conforming with all laws, rules and applicable licenses administered by the department.

Completed nomination forms - available on DEP’s website - are due to the department by Friday, Feb. 28, with the awards being presented by Governor LePage and Commissioner Patricia W. Aho in April to coincide with Earth Day. Self-nominations are encouraged.

The 2013 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence, held at Mid-State Machine Products in Winslow honored Edwards-United Technologies in Pittsfield, Meadowmere Resort in Ogunquit, Agri-Energy in Exeter, Cary Medical Center in Caribou and WindowDressers in Rockport.  

“We know that with our abundant natural resources and healthy environment, we have a sustainable and strong economy,” said DEP Commissioner Aho. “Recognizing Maine’s businesses, non-profits and public entities validates their work as environmental leaders who steward our natural resources and strengthen our economy. The past two years we’ve seen innovative environmental protection work and we look forward to seeing more of this positive trend in this year’s nominations.” 

For more information about the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence or to download an application, visit the DEP website or contact Chris Swain, Director of Innovation and Assistance, at 287-7831 or Chris.Swain@maine.gov.