Award winners to be announced at the Cabinet’s 2018 Governor’s Conference on Energy and the Environment in October
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 7, 2018) – The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet is calling for nominations for its annual environmental awards to be presented during the 2018 Governor’s Conference on Energy and the Environment on Oct. 11-12 at the Lexington Convention Center.
The awards will include the Secretary’s Award, the Kentucky Excellence in Energy Leadership Award, the Environmental Pacesetter Award, the Resource Caretaker Award, the Community Environmental Luminary Award, and the KY EXCEL Champion Award. Those selected to be honored will received their awards during the conference luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 12.
The deadline for all nominations is Aug. 1, 2018. The awards are as follows:
The Secretary’s Award
This is awarded by The Office of the Secretary and is given to a person, business, municipality or non-governmental organization that has demonstrated long-term leadership and commitment to sustainability, environmental protection, conservation of natural resources or is responsible for the development of energy resources.
To access the nomination form for the Secretary’s Award, click here.
Kentucky Excellence in Energy Leadership Award
This award, by the Department for Energy Development and Independence (DEDI), recognizes energy leaders who have had a tremendous impact on the Commonwealth. These progressive leaders have inspired others to save energy and/or to utilize alternative energy resources. This award will be present to two entities. DEDI is seeking nominations for a person, company or organization that has made great strides in conserving energy, improving energy efficiency, and/or finding alternative energy sources in Kentucky.
To access the nomination form for the DEDI award, click here.
Please email or send nominations to Susie Paul Susie.paul@ky.gov, DEDI, 300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Ky., 40601.
The Department for Natural Resources Award for Excellence in Reclamation
Given by the Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement, this award honors a company or individual that demonstrates that mining can be completed and the area returned to condition equal to or better than what existed before, ensuring the environmental integrity of the region.
The Department for Natural Resources Award for Excellence in Mine Safety
Given by the Division of Mine Safety, this award honors a company that demonstrates that mining can be done safely.
The Department for Natural Resources Award for Excellence in Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation
Given by the Division of Abandoned Mine Lands, this award honors a company for the protection of public health and safety and the return of a site to a stable environmental condition.
DEP Environmental Awards of Excellence
With the following environmental excellence awards, the Department for Environmental Protection recognizes individuals, business, communities and organizations that have shown a commitment to protecting and improving Kentucky’s environment.
One award will be given for each of four categories. Businesses, organizations, communities, and individuals may be nominated, or may self-nominate. The KY EXCEL Champion will be awarded to an active KY EXCEL member.
To access the nomination form for the DEP Environmental Excellence Awards, click here.
Environmental Pacesetter Award
This award winner must have made exemplary and innovative efforts to protect the environment and to set an example of environmental stewardship for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Special consideration will be given to nominees that demonstrate a comprehensive approach to environmental issues and highlight the relationships between environmental benefit and associated social and economic benefits.
To access the nomination form for the DEP Pacesettter award, click here.
Environmental Caretaker Award
This award winner has improved or furthered the conservation of Kentucky’s natural resources. Nominations may include efforts that revitalized underutilized or contaminated land, or involved land management and preservation, habitat restoration, recycling programs, pollution prevention, water-use reductions, or energy efficiency.
To access the nomination form for the DEP Caretaker award, click here.
Community Environmental Luminary Award
This award recognizes achievements in community-based environmental education and outreach. Environmental education may be organized efforts to teach about how natural environments function and, particularly, how human beings can manage their behavior and ecosystems in order to live sustainably. Environmental education and outreach may include mentoring activities. Nominations should identify the benefits to the local or regional target areas of which the nominee operates or is focused upon.
To access the nomination form for the DEP Environmental Luminary award, click here.
KY EXCEL Champion Award
This award recognizes a KY EXCEL member that demonstrates outstanding stewardship and achieves positive benefits for Kentucky’s environment. Nominations must be for a current, active KY EXCEL member and must highlight activities that may include energy conservation, improving air quality, minimizing waste or incorporating citizens to participate in positive environmental stewardship behaviors.
To access the nomination form for the KY EXCEL Champion Award, click here.
Three awards, whose winners will already have been chosen, also will be presented at the conference:
The Outstanding Kentucky Forest Steward Award
Given by the Division of Forestry. This award honors someone who is actively implementing a forest stewardship plan, has been nominated by a division forester, and who has been a regional winner.
The Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund Stewardship Award
Given by KHLCF, this award recognizes a local government agency, nonprofit land trust, or individual that best exemplifies responsible natural areas management.
The Kentucky Nature Preserves Biodiversity Award
Given by Kentucky Nature Preserves, this award recognizes an individual or organization that has done outstanding work in the conservation, research, or environmental education of Kentucky’s rare species.
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