BOSTON – Four individuals and five organizations in Massachusetts were recognized today at the 2018 Environmental Merit Awards ceremony of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s New England regional office. The environmental leaders were among 28 recipients across New England honored for their work to protect New England’s environment.
Robert L. Zimmerman Jr., William S. Napolitano and Arthur N. Marin were recognized with lifetime awards for many years of service to the health and environment of the state. In addition, the Pleasant Bay Alliance of Harwich, the Food Rescue Initiative of Wellesley, Mark Richey Woodworking, Inc. of Newburyport and Encore Boston Harbor of Everett were recognized as organizations for their work.
In addition to these winners, Nancy Seidman of Cambridge was given the Ira Leighton “In Service to States” annual award for environmental achievement that has had an outsized impact in the state, the region, and nationally. Seidman has been a leader on air issues all levels, playing a central role in protecting the public and environment from air pollution. Assistant commissioner of DEP’s Bureau of Air and Waste until she retired in 2016, Seidman has been since then a senior advisor with the Regulatory Assistance Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the transition to a clean, reliable, and efficient energy future.
“New England is rich with individuals, businesses, and organizations that exhibit their strong commitment to local communities and to a clean and healthful environment. EPA is very proud to recognize these meaningful accomplishments,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator Alexandra Dunn.
EPA New England each year recognizes individuals and groups in the six New England states whose are distinguished by their work to protect or improve the region’s environment. The merit awards, given since 1970, honor individuals and groups who have shown ingenuity and commitment. The Environmental Merit Awards, given for work or actions done in the prior year, are awarded in the categories of individual; business (including professional organizations); local, state or federal government; and environmental, community, academia or nonprofit organization. Also, each year EPA presents lifetime achievement awards for individuals.
This year’s Environmental Awards Ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Eddie Johnson of New Bedford, a community activist who devoted much of his life to championing environmental, public health and environmental justice issues in his home city. Also at the merit ceremony, EPA New England announced three awards for leaders in Children’s Health, with one award going to the Massachusetts Lead in Drinking Water Team.
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