Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Dan McLean, 651-297-1607 Saint Paul, Minn. -- The State of Minnesota is accepting applications and nominations for its 17th annual Governor's Award Program for Excellence in Waste and Pollution Prevention. Projects that reduce waste and pollution at its source, conserve natural resources, protect groundwater, save energy and practice sustainability are eligible for the 2007 award. The application deadline is Sept. 17, 2007. This year, the State of Minnesota is seeking nominations and/or applications in three separate categories:
- Governor's Awards - Business: honors superior environmental achievement by Minnesota businesses, non-profits and private institutions for excellence in waste reduction and pollution prevention.
- Governor's Awards - MnGREAT: acknowledge Minnesota's public institutions and government for their efforts and success in environmental planning.
- Governor's Awards- Partnerships: recognize exceptional environmental accomplishment by collaborations between Minnesota non-profit organizations, businesses, agencies and institutions. This is an opportunity to recognize leaders at the highest level of environmental achievement. Projects will be judged based on the following criteria: benefit to the environment, economic efficiency, level of commitment and leadership, innovation and the ability of the project to serve as a model for others. The application form and examples of past winners are available now at www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/p2/govaward.cfm. If you prefer, applications are also available by calling 651-215-0203 or toll-free at 1-800-657-3864. Applications will be accepted until noon on Sept. 17. Winners of the award will be recognized at Minnesota's Air, Water, and Waste Environmental Conference on Feb. 27, 2008.