The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's New England regional office is accepting 2022 Environmental Merit Awards nominations until May 16.
The regional Environmental Merit Awards have been celebrated each year since the EPA's creation back in 1970, according to an April 22 EPA news release. Winners are selected by an independent EPA panel and are based on the environmental problem being addressed, what actions were taken to address this environmental issue and the degree to which the positive results can be measured and sustained.
"On Earth Day, and every day, EPA is immensely proud of the work we share with dedicated citizens to build a brighter, healthier future for all. We are especially pleased to announce our annual solicitation of nominations for the 2022 EPA New England Environmental Merit Awards," EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash said. "New England is blessed with intelligent and innovative citizens and organizations, who make a real and lasting difference working for a cleaner and healthier environment. We look forward to recognizing their efforts."
The awards will be given at a ceremony in September, according to the release. Four categories are traditionally awarded: individual; business, industry, trade and professional organization; local, state or federal government; and environmental, community or non-profit organization, academia.
"EPA's mission is to protect human health and the environment. Nominations should explain how the nominees' work connects to EPA's mission of reducing waste, air, water or land pollution," the release states. "The agency also looks for projects or activities that can be replicated or widely shared and that are innovative."
According to the release, the Lifetime Achievement Award is for an individual or group who has shown a career or lifetime long "continuous commitment to environmental and public health issues."
The Children's Environmental Health Award is for individuals or groups whose work "protect children from environmental health risks," per the release.
The release also states the Ira Leighton "In Service to States" Environmental Merit Award is dedicated to an individual or organization "furthering state and federal partnerships to address environmental challenges in New England."
