Contact: Chris Sebastian, (212) 637-3597, sebastian.chris@epa.gov

(New York, NY – January 13, 2015) – Each year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency honors individuals, businesses and organizations that have contributed significantly to improving the environment and protecting public health in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and eight federally recognized Indian Nations over the past year. EPA is now seeking nominations for the Environmental Champion Awards, previously called the Environmental Quality Awards. Winners will be honored at an awards event on Friday, April 24, 2015. The Agency is accepting nominations for Environmental Champion Awards until February 17, 2015.

"What better way to mark the annual celebration of Earth Day than by honoring those organizations, businesses and individuals whose work has protected the environment and improved public health,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck. “Environmental protection is something that no one person or group can do alone. We need to foster an environmental ethic in corporate board rooms, in city halls, and in neighborhoods across the country – and that’s the kind of work our Environmental Champion Award recipients do.”

The awards recognize achievement in six categories:

Business and Industry
Individual Citizen
Non-Profit Organization, Environmental or Community Group
Environmental Education
Federal, State, Local or Tribal Government or Agency
Media

For award criteria, prior winners and nomination instructions, visit EPA's Environmental Champion Award webpage at http://www.epa.gov/region2/eqa.

For additional information, please contact Chris Sebastian, Public Affairs Division, at (212) 637-3597 or sebastian.chris@epa.gov.