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EPA Recognizes Students From Across the Country for Contributions Toward a Healthier Environment

Release Date: 05/19/2010
Contact Information: Enesta Jones, [email protected], 202-564-7873, 202-564-4355

WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson recognized young people from across the country at the 2009 President’s Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) ceremony today. These students have made outstanding contributions to environmental protection through projects that help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and protect America’s waters. Some of the projects include collecting the town’s cooking oil for recycling into biofuel and distributing it to charities; designing and building an environmental education center made entirely out of green, earth friendly materials; and starting a recycling program and class on recycling.

"The President's Environmental Youth Award recognizes young people from across the United States who have stepped up to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink and the communities where we live," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Our winners represent the future of environmental innovation. We're proud to recognize their incredible work, and thrilled to have their invaluable help in taking on the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow."

The 10 individuals or teams of students who were awarded are from Westerly, R.I.; Syosset, N.Y.; Bethlehem, Pa.; Gainesville, Fla.; Addison, Ill.; Lubbock, Texas; Bettendorf, Iowa; Bigfork, Mont.; Pleasant Hill and Martinez, Calif.; and Homer, Alaska.

These dedicated youth developed projects that involved hundreds of community members, students, educators and policy makers in environmental science research, community recycling, energy conservation, sustainability and environmental education.

Winners were selected from among applicants to EPA’s 10 regional offices. Regional EPA panels judged the projects on environmental need, accomplishments of goals, long-term environmental benefits and positive impact on local communities. The panels also consider project design, coordination, implementation, innovation and soundness of approach.

PEYA has been presented annually since 1971 to honor students in kindergarten through 12^th grade who design and implement innovative environmental projects.

More information on winners and project descriptions: http://epa.gov/peya/winners.html