The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is inviting Tennesseans to submit nominations for the 2016 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards. The 2016 Awards will mark 30 years of recognizing Tennesseans who have taken outstanding action to protect the state’s diverse environment.
“The continued health of Tennessee’s air, land and water is critical to keeping our communities strong and vibrant places to live,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said. “It is important to recognize the innovative efforts and projects that conserve and protect our natural resources, boosting opportunities for economic benefits and Tennessee’s overall sustainability.”
The Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards include ten unique categories: Building Green, Clean Air, Energy and Renewable Resources, Environmental Education and Outreach, Environmental Education and Outreach (school category), Land Use, Materials Management, Natural Heritage, Sustainable Performance, and Lifetime Achievement.
Any individual, business, organization, educational institution, or agency is eligible, provided it is located in Tennessee and the project was completed during the 2015 calendar year. All nominees must have a minimum of three consecutive years of overall environmental compliance with TDEC. Self-nominations are encouraged.
“The environment significantly impacts our daily lives and today’s efforts to ensure our communities remain healthy will affect future generations,” TDEC Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau said. “Tennesseans continue to make great strides in protecting our environment and these annual awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the people and organizations that work so hard to increase stewardship efforts across the state.”
A panel of judges representing agricultural, conservation, forestry, environmental, and academic professionals will select award recipients based on criteria including level of project or program completion, innovation, and public education. The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2016. Award recipients will be announced in May 2016.
For more information about each category, judging criteria, and nomination forms, visit TDEC’s website at http://www.tn.gov/environment/topic/sp-gesa-governors-environmental-stew….
