AUGUSTA — Nominations are now open for the Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence, which will honor entities that go beyond standard techniques or regulatory requirements to meet environmental challenges or opportunities. The five award categories include: small, medium and large businesses; local, state, federal or tribal entities; and nonprofit organizations.

The Department of Environmental Protection and Gov. Paul R. LePage encourage entities that have created meaningful environmental and economic benefits through innovative practices to apply for the State's environmental excellence awards. This is an opportunity for businesses, nonprofits and public entities to be recognized for their extraordinary work to improve and protect Maine's natural resources.

Governor LePage said in a news release: "Job creators grow the economy and help steward Maine's natural resources. The Governor's Awards on Environmental Excellence recognize leaders who take innovative approaches to protect our natural resources and strengthen our economy.

“My Administration was proud to have re-launched these awards to support entities that not only move our economy forward, but also ensure that our natural resources are here for future generations."

Applicants will be asked to explain how their recent project or program was innovative, collaborative and resulted in measurable and meaningful environmental and economic benefits.

Completed Application forms, which are available on DEP's website at www.maine.gov/dep are due to the department by Friday, June 26. The awards will be presented by Governor LePage and Commissioner Patricia W. Aho in September. Self-nominations are encouraged.

"We know that with our abundant natural resources and healthy environment, we have a sustainable and strong economy," said Commissioner Aho in the release. "Recognizing Maine's businesses, nonprofits and public entities validates their work as environmental leaders who steward our natural resources and strengthen our economy."

DEP, with support from Governor LePage, relaunched the dormant environmental awards program in 2012 to recognize Maine's many environmental leaders who are modeling the department's vision of a mutually healthy environment and strong economy. Information on past winners is available at www.maine.gov/dep/assistance/govaward.html

For more information about the Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence or to download an application, visit www.maine.gov/dep or contact Leslie Anderson, director of innovation and assistance, or at 287-7831.