2025 GOVERNOR'S ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards Honor Ten Outstanding New Jersey Leaders and Organizations

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in partnership with the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (I-Bank) and the New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology, hosted the 2025 Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards (GEEA) ceremony on Tuesday, December 9th at the Historic Trenton Masonic Temple. Now in their 26th year, the GEEA are New Jersey's premier recognition program for environmental leadership. The annual event recognized ten individuals and organizations whose achievements are advancing environmental protection, sustainability, and resilience across the state.

The ceremony opened with a luncheon and optional tour of the historic venue, followed by a formal award program led by DEP Deputy Commissioner Katie Angarone and I-Bank Executive Director David Zimmer.

"Each of today's honorees represents the very best of New Jersey — people and organizations who not only imagine a healthier, more resilient future, but work every day to build it," said Deputy Commissioner Angarone in her welcome remarks. "Their leadership strengthens our communities, protects public health, and preserves our natural resources for generations to come."

Executive Director Zimmer then introduced each award category and presented remarks highlighting the accomplishments of the recipients.

2025 Governor's Environmental Excellence Award (Category: Recipient)

Climate Change Mitigation: Duke Farms

Honored for its Natural Systems Energy Project, which integrates reforestation, natural climate solutions, and a new solar energy system to achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions.

Climate Resilience: City of Newark – Office of Sustainability, Resilience & Community Transformation

Recognized for community-centered urban cooling strategies, equitable sustainability planning, and the expansion of its "Beat the Heat" initiative.

Environmental Justice: Montclair State University PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies 

Awarded for its Green Teams Internship Program, which deploys diverse student teams to support communities disproportionately affected by environmental burdens.

Healthy Communities: Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC)

Celebrated for decades of community partnerships that advance environmental justice, stormwater management, water quality improvements, and the restoration of natural habitats.

Healthy Ecosystems and Habitats: Hunters Helping the Hungry

Acknowledged for its statewide network of hunters, processors, and food banks that provide donated venison to families in need while supporting responsible deer management and forest health.

Sustainability and Waste Reduction: Table to Table

Recognized for rescuing more than 23 million pounds of fresh food in the past year and preventing over 240 million pounds of food waste since its founding.

Watershed Management & Water Resources: PolyGone Systems (in partnership with ACUA)

Honored for launching the world's first municipal-scale microplastic removal pilot, capturing millions of particles from wastewater.

Environmental Education: Erin Colfax, Unity Charter School

Awarded for her innovative, inquiry-based science curriculum and leadership in transforming school grounds into a "living classroom."

James J. Florio Emerging Environmental Leader: Landon Hoberman

Recognized for founding the Student Environmental Ambassador (SEA) Program, a youth-led initiative that has reached over 50,000 students and prevented more than 1.8 million single-use utensils from entering the environment.

Richard J. Sullivan Award

This year's highest honor, the Richard J. Sullivan Award, was presented to Joseph J. Seebode of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for his exemplary four-decade career in environmental restoration, coastal resilience, navigation infrastructure, and emergency preparedness.

Deputy Commissioner Angarone highlighted Seebode's leadership in major regional projects, including the historic $2.1 billion deepening of the Port of New York and New Jersey and ongoing coastal protection efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

For more information about the Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards, visit NJDEP| News Releases | DEP Announces Winners Of 26th Annual Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards (25/P055)