2016 GOVERNOR'S ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS

On Wednesday, December 7th, Bob Martin, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) presented ten Environmental Excellence Awards (GEEAs) on behalf of Governor Chris Christie in nine categories. There were also two Certificates of Recognition presented for the New Jersey Charging Challenge: Electrify your Workplace. The event was co-sponsored by the DEP, the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust (NJEIT) and the New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology (NJCAT). This was the third consecutive year that Commissioner Martin enlisted David Zimmer, Executive Director of the NJEIT to host the awards ceremony.

There were two equally deserving recipients in the Water Resources category. The Jersey Water Works (JWW), a collaborative of public and private stakeholders focuses on the challenges of the State's aging water infrastructure. The award was accepted by Jane Kenny who is co-chair of the organization. This relatively new collaborative exhibits many of the tenets of Commissioner Martin's environmental leadership by stimulating communication, developing partnerships, and sponsoring research to share ideas. JWW's representation includes public utilities, the environmental community and regulatory agencies which work together to identify best practices and cost effective solutions to the challenging water problems in New Jersey. Supported by the New Jersey League of Municipalities, JWW has initiated a network between communities to identify, share and implement green infrastructure solutions.

The second award recipient in the Water Resource category was accepted by Heather Desko for the River-Friendly Programs of the Raritan Basin. This program is a joint initiative of the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, the Raritan Headwaters Association and the New Jersey Water Supply Authority. The program educates participants on four key principles that address water resource challenges in the 1,100-square-mile Raritan Basin: reduce pollution, conserve water, restore habitat for wildlife, and educate the public on how to become better environmental stewards.

The complete list of categories and award winners are as follows:
 

NJEIT is honored to be a part of this exciting and inspirational event. The GEEA awards represent a slice of the many positive programs in New Jersey, bringing the State and local communities together to develop creative ideas, innovative designs, partnerships and communication from school children to industry leaders all focused on enhancing our environment.