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Burlington’s Peter Clavelle Receives EPA Lifetime Achievement Award

Release Date: 05/03/2006
Contact Information: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017

(Boston, Mass. - May 3, 2006) - Former Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle will be honored on Thursday, May 4 in Boston’s Faneuil Hall as EPA presents the 2006 Environmental Merit Awards. Recognizing significant contributions to environmental awareness and problem solving, the Vermont awardee will receive the lifetime achievement award.

Given out by EPA since 1970, the merit awards honor individuals and groups who have shown particular ingenuity and commitment in their efforts to preserve the region's environment. This year's competition drew approximately 50 nominations from across New England.

“These awards are among the highest honors EPA can bestow to recognize environmental accomplishments,” said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator for EPA’s New England Office. “The work of these individuals, organizations and businesses reflect the best attributes of New Englanders, working to find solutions to environmental issues. I offer my gratitude for their extraordinary contributions in protecting the environment.”

Selection of former Mayor Clavelle for a lifetime achievement award was chosen among 19 nominations from across New England. Awards were given in the categories of individual; business (including professional organizations); local, state or federal government; and environmental, community, academia or nonprofit organization. Each year EPA may present lifetime achievement awards for individuals.

Having served seven terms as Mayor of Burlington, Vt., Peter Clavelle has been integrally involved in public service and city management for more than 30 years. Under his leadership, Burlington continued to gain international recognition for innovative programs to promote sustainable development and quality of life. Peter served on numerous local and state organizations which collectively promoted a clean environment and healthful living for Vermonters.

Among his environmental accomplishments, the Burlington “Legacy Plan” stands out as a forward-looking effort to make Vermont’s largest settlement “the nation’s most sustainable city.” Under his tenure as Mayor, Burlington aggressively targeted childhood lead poisoning in older housing as a preventable health concern, worked to address and redevelop Brownfield properties, and became the first Vermont community to adopt mandatory curbside recycling.

Peter Clavelle’s legacy as Mayor and citizen is a city that has applied its environmental convictions in positive, innovative ways to improve the community and health of its citizens.

Additional information available at: https://www.epa.gov/region1/ra/ema/index.html

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