If you know a person or organization that has helped to enhance the environment of western Pennsylvania, nominate them now to win a Western Pennsylvania Environmental Award.

Deadline for nominations is February 28.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Dominion Foundation, sponsors of the awards program, announced they are now accepting nominations for the 2005 Environmental Awards, to be presented at the Westin Convention Center Hotel on May 26.

Community groups, schools, volunteers, government officials, and other organizations, individuals, or programs are eligible to receive a Western Pennsylvania Environmental Award for their efforts to enhance the environment of western Pennsylvania.

A total of 5 awards will be presented in the areas of Community, Government, Green Design, Higher Education and Primary or Secondary Education.

An independent panel of judges will evaluate all nominations. In honor of each winner, the sponsors will make a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit organization of the winner’s choice that provides environmental benefits to western Pennsylvania.

Nomination forms are available by calling the Awards Program office at (412) 481-9400, or can be found online at the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards webpage.

The awards were established to encourage the community to adopt the standards set by successful nominees, thereby promoting innovative environmental efforts and enhancing the quality of life in western Pennsylvania. Through public recognition and award donations, the program also helps to advance those projects which achieve specific environmental objectives, and which reflect a genuine understanding of local needs.

Major funding for the awards comes from the Dominion Foundation, which is dedicated to the economic, physical and social health of the communities served by Dominion companies.

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with an energy portfolio of about 28,340 megawatts of generation, 6 trillion cubic feet equivalent of proved natural gas reserves and 7,900 miles of natural gas transmission pipeline.

1/14/2005