PENNSYLVANIA — The Shapiro Administration has announced an open call to all Pennsylvanians who have recently been involved in a successful environmental project. They are invited to apply for the 2024 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, the highest environmental honor in the state.
Any Pennsylvania business, farm, government agency, educational institution, or nonprofit organization that has developed or participated in a project promoting environmental protection and stewardship in the Commonwealth is eligible to apply.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) oversees the award selection process, evaluating projects based on eight criteria: commitment to protecting the environment, partnership, environmental education and outreach, economic impact, innovation, climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice. The Governor’s Office will make the final selection of awardees.
Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley said, “We’re looking to uplift individuals and entities who have advanced environmental protection, education, and justice in the Commonwealth. These awards highlight forward-thinking organizations that are changing the environmental landscape. I encourage all environmental stewards to apply.”
Projects eligible for consideration must have been completed between October 11, 2022, and October 31, 2023. DEP will accept applications through Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 5:00 PM. Applications can be submitted online at the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence award nomination website.
In 2023, twenty-one businesses, non-profits, schools, and agencies earned the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. The awarded projects encompassed a range of environmental initiatives including developing planning tools, creating sustainability programs, fostering environmental education, and restoring streams and natural areas.
The application process involves filling out the required information on the award nomination website, providing details about the project using the application form, and uploading the application form along with optional supplemental photos, videos, or other documentation about the project. Further information regarding project eligibility and evaluation can be found in the Project Guidelines.
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