For more than 50 years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) New England has recognized those who have made outstanding contributions to protect the region’s environment. The 2021 Environmental Merit Awards, presented in a virtual ceremony on Sept. 14, included several NEIWPCC partners.
Former NEIWPCC Commissioner Janet Coit was honored with the Ira Leighton “In Service to States” Annual Award, for her leadership in addressing regional environmental challenges. Coit, assistant administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, was the director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for more than 10 years.
The EPA New England also presented Environmental Lifetime Achievement awards to:
- Yvonne Bolton, retiring NEIWPCC commissioner, and bureau chief, Bureau of Materials Management and Compliance Assurance for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
- Angelo Liberti III, retiring administrator of the Surface Water Protection Programs in the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, and long-time NEIWPCC partner.
- Chuck Schwer, retired division director of waste management and prevention with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and long-time NEIWPCC partner.
“Initiatives led by individuals and organizations like these have made great strides towards combatting climate change, bringing cleaner air and cleaner water, and ensuring our underserved communities’ voices are being heard,” said EPA New England Acting Regional Administrator Deborah Szaro. “EPA is proud to recognize these awardees’ great accomplishments and their continued efforts, especially throughout the pandemic. They truly make a difference in our New England communities.”