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Eight From Maine Receive EPA Award

Release Date: 04/22/1996
Contact Information: Frank McIntyre, Office of External Programs; (617) 918-1095

BOSTON-- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will recognize 35 New England environmental champions, including eight from Maine, with Environmental Merit Awards during an Earth Day celebration Monday at Faneuil Hall in Boston.

"New Englanders have a long tradition of being acutely aware of their environment and taking action to protect it. We are pleased to honor just a few of those that truly deserve recognition for their actions." said EPA Regional Administrator John DeVillars. " The winners, in fact all of the nominees, set an example for all of us to follow."

The Merit Awards, presented annually since 1970, recognize demonstrated commitment and significant contributions to the environment. The winners were selected from nearly 100 nominations received this year from businesses, media, local and state government officials, environmental organizations, and citizen activists.

The Maine winners and basis for recognition are:

NANCY ANDERSON, Falmouth, Maine: One of New England's most visible environmental proponents, Nancy provided inspirational leadership for the annual New England Environmental Conference at Tufts University for 18 years. Her most recent success ws organizing last year's very successful Achieveing Sustainable Development in New England forum for the President's Council on Sustainable Development.

JOHN BANKS, Old Town, Maine: As Director of the Department of Natural Resources for the Penobscot Indian Nation, John develops and administers comprehensive natural resources and environmental program for the Penobscot Indian tribe. He is a strong and effective leader for the rights of his tribe to fish from clean waters and for the rights of all New Englanders to enjoy a clean environment.

LEE DOGGETT, Buckfield, Maine: A marine biologist for the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Lee did an outstanding job in providing oversight of all scientific aspects of the Casco Bay Estuary Project. Her efforts to coordinate technical information with scientists, government agencies, the media, and the public has helped make the Casco Bay Estuary Project a model for community-based environmental protection across New England.

PATRICIA HARRINGTON, Freeport, Maine: Patricia produced a clear and informative Casco Bay plan and worked closely with the Casco Bay Estuary project's managing committee to transform the project into a true community-based program. Her entusiastic, high spirited leadership has charted the course for a cleanier, healthier Casco Bay.

GEORGE LORD, S. China, Maine: George has been instrumental in initiating lake cleanup in the Belgrade Lakes Region, speaking to various groups about problems facing lakes, and working on proposed legislation that would effect Maine's lakes and watersheds.

TOWN OF SKOWHEGAN, Maine: The town began The Yellow Fish Road educational program on hazards of dumping wastes into storm drains. The program drew support and involvement from every sector of the town to canvas door to door, design bumper stickers and T-shirts, organize hazardous waste collection days and drain stenciling.

GEORGE NEAVOLL, Portland Newspapers, Portland, Maine: As editorial page editor of the Portland Press Herald and Maine Sunday Telegram, George not only sets the environmental bar high for policymakers, businesses, and the Maine community but offers some helpful hints about how they should clear it.

PETER TABOR, Waldo Independent, Belfast, Maine: With unmatched eloquence and insight, Peter provided clear and objective coverage of the Sears Island port project, one of the most complex and contentious environmental issues in New England.