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For Immediate Release
April 17, 2001

White Looking for Local “Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence” Award Nominees

Harrisburg – State Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) is putting out the call for local nominees for this year’s Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.

White said the annual award recognizes individuals, employers, municipalities and institutions for their outstanding leadership in protecting the environment.

The award covers the fields of pollution prevention, energy efficiency, technology innovation, technical assistance and education, land use management, industrial and community recycling, and education and outreach programs, she said.

“I know there are many individuals and organizations in our area working hard to protect the environment, and I think they deserve recognition,” said White, who chairs the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

White noted that the results posted by past winners have been impressive.

Since 1997 the 175 winners of the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence have reduced wastewater by more than 3.5 billion gallons, recycled or eliminated more than 93 million tons of solid waste, cut 88 million tons of air emissions, saved 42 million kilowatt hours of electricity, and at the same time saved more than $473 million in operating costs. 

“If anyone knows of an individual or organization that should be nominated for this award, I urge them to stop by one of my district offices for an application and pass it on,” said White.  Applications can also be downloaded from the Department’s web site at www.dep.state.pa.us (choose “Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence” under the Subjects heading). 

The deadline for applying is May 4. 

Winners will be recognized with a special ceremony in Harrisburg and will also be featured on the www.GreenWorks.tv website. Visitors to the website can get an idea of the kinds of efforts that won awards in past years.