[StBernard] Awards and Recognition News Release (Region 6): Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf of Mexico Program Now Accepting Nominations for 2009 Gulf Guardians

[Westley Annis]

Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf of Mexico Program Now Accepting
Nominations for 2009 Gulf Guardians 

  

(Dallas, Texas - March 5, 2009)  The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's
Gulf of Mexico Program (GMP) partnership developed the Gulf Guardian Awards
as a way to recognize and honor the businesses, community groups,
individuals, and agencies that are taking positive steps to keep the Gulf
healthy, beautiful and productive.  The Gulf Guardian Award exemplifies what
the Gulf of Mexico Program is all about; innovative solutions that come
about when we pool resources and look for creative ways to positively impact
our quality of life and economic well being.   There are many companies,
organizations, and individuals in the Gulf States that are "Gulf Guardians."
The GMP partnership believes they should be recognized for their stewardship
of this national resource from which we all derive so much benefit. 

The first Gulf Guardian Award winners were recognized in 2000.  Every year
since, a first, second and third place award are given in seven categories:
Business, Civic/Non-Profit Organization, Partnerships, Youth/Education,
Individual, Government, and Bi-National.  All 21 winners in seven different
categories receive an impressive marble and glass memento, press coverage on
their project, and recognition by their peers.  All winners receive a
professional video about their project and/or effort that is presented on
the evening of the Gulf Guardian Awards ceremony.   

The Gulf of Mexico Program began in 1988 to protect, restore, and maintain
the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem in economically
sustainable ways.  The Gulf of Mexico Program is underwritten by the
Environmental Protection Agency and is a non-regulatory, inclusive
consortium of state and federal government agencies and representatives of
the business and agricultural community, fishing industry, scientists,
environmentalists, and community leaders from all five Gulf States.  

  

To complete a nomination application for 2009, go to the Gulf of Mexico
Program's web site at http://www.epa.gov/gmpo <http://www.epa.gov/gmpo>  and
click on the Gulf Guardian Application button.  Applications are available
in both English and Spanish.  Nominations are due May 15, 2009.  If you have
any questions, please contact Diane Altsman at (228) 688-7015 or email her
at altsman.diane at epa.gov <mailto:altsman.diane at epa.gov>  

  

More about activities in EPA Region 6:  http://www.epa.gov/region6
<http://www.epa.gov/region6>  

  

EPA audio file is available for 30 days at
http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/audio.htm#audio030509_gulfguardians
<http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/audio.htm#audio030509_gulfguardians>  

  

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