Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette Thursday announced the winners of the 23rd Annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards, as well as the recipients of the Richard J. Sullivan Award and the inaugural James J. Florio Emerging Environmental Leader Award, honoring the memory of the former Governor and Congressman. “We are excited this year to introduce the James J. Florio award honoring the legacy and memory of a true pioneer and champion of environmental protection,” LaTourette said. “Indeed, all of our award recipients, in their individual ways, honor former Governor Florio each day through their commitment to protecting our environment and safeguarding public health.”
The Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards are awarded each year to individuals and organizations that demonstrate commitment and leadership on a variety of environmental issues, including environmental justice, climate change, sustainability, education, and protection of natural resources.This year, the DEP introduced the James J. Florio Emerging Environmental Leader Award to honor the memory of the former Governor and Congressman, who passed away on Sept. 25 at the age of 85. As a Congressman from Camden County, Florio authored the federal Superfund law, which established a federal program to clean up hazardous waste sites. He also led the way in the creation of the Pinelands National Reserve to protect this vast area of pine forest and unique habitats. He also spearheaded numerous groundbreaking state laws and environmental initiatives as Governor from 1990 to 1994.
This award recognizes a young New Jersey resident who demonstrates exceptional leadership and outstanding accomplishments in environmental protection. The winner is Svanfridur Mura, a junior at Newark Academy whose passion for the environment led her to launch composting in her middle school’s environmental club and to get involved in open space and other sustainability issues with Our Green West Orange.