EPA Region 8 Announces New Regional Pollution Prevention Award Program

DENVER  –– The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 8 is announcing a new regional Pollution Prevention (P2) Award Program. EPA Region 8 will recognize organizations in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and tribal lands within the boundaries of Region 8 for demonstrated leadership in innovative P2 practices.

“EPA’s Pollution Prevention Award Program will recognize organizations that have taken the initiative to prevent pollution at the source,” said Debra H. Thomas, EPA Region 8 Acting Regional Administrator. “With our new regional awards program, we look forward to celebrating these forward-thinking organizations that have reduced their environmental impact, improved the quality of life in their communities, and often realized cost savings as an added benefit.”

P2, as defined in the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, is any practice that reduces environmental releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants prior to entering a waste stream for recycling, treatment or disposal. P2 conserves natural resources, including water and energy, by focusing industry, government and public attention on reducing pollution through the implementation of cost-effective changes in production, operation and the use of raw materials. EPA’s P2 program is voluntary and encourages stakeholders to seek innovative ways to prevent pollution from entering waste streams through a competitive grant process and the provision of technical assistance to businesses.

This is an annual, voluntary, and non-monetary award program. Those interested in applying or nominating an organization to be considered for an award should submit a complete application describing the nominee’s P2 efforts, activities, cost savings, pounds of hazardous chemicals reduced, energy conserved, or gallons of water saved, as well as the replicability of their approach. The application deadline is October 19, 2021. For information on how to apply, visit https://www.epa.gov/co/forms/2021-epa-region-8-pollution-prevention-p2-award-program.

This week is P2 Week, an annual event to celebrate the diverse and creative ways businesses, academic institutes, local governments and other organizations are working to prevent pollution. In support of the Pollution Prevention Act and P2 Week, EPA congratulates entities for the progress they have made and encourages them to renew P2 efforts to save resources and enhance sustainability through innovation, furthering EPA’s mission to protect public health and the environment.

For information on Pollution Prevention Technical Assistance in Region 8: https://www.epa.gov/p2/pollution-prevention-technical-assistance-epa-region-8