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EPA Seeks Nominations for Annual Environmental Merit Awards; Deadline for Nominations is Feb. 2, 2004

Release Date: 01/16/04
Contact Information: Contact: Peyton Fleming, EPA Press Office, (617) 918-1008

For Immediate Release: January 16, 2004; Release # 04-01-07

BOSTON – The US Environmental Protection Agency's New England office is seeking nominations for its 2004 Environmental Merit Awards, which recognize environmental achievement by individuals, businesses, organizations and state and local governments in the six-state region. The awards are designed to recognize accomplishments over the past year. Awards are also given under a lifetime achievement category.

The awards have been given out annually since EPA was created in 1970. Past recipients have included scientists, community activists, business representatives, public officials and other individuals committed to preserving the environment. The deadline for nominations is February 2, 2004.

“All across New England, citizens of all ages are working quietly – and, sometimes, not so quietly – to bring about improvements in the region’s environment,” said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA's New England office. “These Environmental Merit Awards are designed to give them the recognition they deserve.”

An independent EPA panel will select the winners based on the following criteria: long-term effects on the environment; ability to address an environmental problem or need; collaboration with others; ability of the program or accomplishments to be widely shared; clarity and effectiveness of the presentation; and promotion of innovative ideas or techniques.

The awards are given in four categories: individual; business, industry, trade, and professional organization; local, state or federal government; and environmental, community or non-profit organization. Awards winners will be invited to a ceremony this spring in Boston.

For nomination forms or for more information, write to US EPA New England; Merit Awards/Carol Krasauskis (RAA), One Congress St., Boston, MA 02114-2023, or call Carol Krasauskis at 888-372-7341. Nomination forms can also be downloaded directly from EPA New England's Web site at www.epa.gov/ne/ra/ema