Daley: Local environmentalists encouraged to apply for 2023 Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence: Spirit of resilience to be highlighted

HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – A long-time advocate for legislation and programs that improve the environment, state Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, is encouraging Montgomery residents who have recently worked on a successful environmental project to apply for 2023 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence, the state’s top environmental honor.

“I’ve been impressed by the many individuals and organizations in Montgomery County that are positively impacting our environment, transforming environmental obstacles into opportunities for renewal and growth,” Daley said. “The 2023 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence is a fantastic opportunity for our local environmental projects to receive state recognition and show other Pennsylvanians that they too can contribute to protecting the environment we all depend on.”

Any Pennsylvanian or Pennsylvania business, farm, government agency, educational institution or nonprofit organization who has developed or participated in a project that promotes environmental protection and stewardship in the commonwealth may apply. 

The Department of Environmental Protection will oversee the award selection process, evaluating projects on eight criteria: degree of environmental protection, environmental justice, climate change, sustainability, partnership, economic impact, innovation, and environmental education and outreach.

In addition, the 2023 awards aim to highlight the spirit of resilience.

Projects do not have to meet all criteria to merit an award. Projects must have been completed between Oct. 4, 2021, and Oct. 11, 2022.

Applications are submitted online. Find more information on eligibility and the application at the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence web page.

DEP will accept applications through 11:59 p.m. Dec. 21.

Fifteen businesses, non-profits, schools and agencies earned 2022 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence. Awardees expanded environmental education, developed environmental planning tools, and restored streams and natural areas, among other accomplishments.