EPA Region 4 Announces First Regional Pollution Prevention Award Program
ATLANTA (Sept. 20, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 4 is announcing a new Pollution Prevention (P2) Award Program. EPA Region 4 will recognize organizations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and tribal lands within the boundaries of Region 4 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 Acting Region 4 Administrator John Blevins. “With our new regional awards program, we look forward to celebrating these forward-thinking organizations that support EPA’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment while improving performance and reducing costs.”
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 awards program. Those interested in applying or nominating an organization to be considered for an award should submit a complete application describing their P2 efforts, activities, cost savings, and the replicability of their approach. Application deadline is October 19, 2021. For information on how to apply and the application form visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z2LWSVF.
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.
Find information on Pollution Prevention Technical Assistance in Region 4: https://www.epa.gov/p2/pollution-prevention-technical-assistance-epa-region-4
Read more about P2 and the P2 Grant Program: https://www.epa.gov/p2