DEP Accepting Applications for Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards

The Department of Environmental Protection is encouraging environmentally-conscious businesses and organizations to apply for the 2012 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award.

“This award is a gem because it recognizes environmental innovation, which makes a business or organization more competitive and efficient,” DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. “The winners are creating a brighter and cleaner future for all Pennsylvanians. We want to showcase them as role models and say, ‘Thank you.’ ”

The award is open to any Pennsylvania business, government agency, educational institution, individual or farm that has created or participated in the development of a project that promotes environmental stewardship and economic development in the state.

Eligible projects include environmental technology innovation, clean energy innovation, pollution prevention and resource efficiency, community revitalization, environmental education or outreach, watershed stewardship, and mine safety, among others.

Projects will be evaluated based on applicants’ demonstration of how their project will protect the environment, teamwork, public service, environmental education and outreach, pollution prevention, economic impact – including potential job creation, and the use of innovation technology.

The project must have been completed between August 1, 2010, and July 31, 2011. While each candidate may submit only one application for a particular project, companies with multiple facilities may submit an application for each facility.
Projects that have previously received a Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence are not eligible for this award, though past winners may submit applications for new projects for consideration.

Each project will be reviewed by a committee of DEP employees. Recipients of the award will be honored during an evening reception and the winning projects will also be listed on DEP’s website.

Applications for the award can be accessed at www.dep.state.pa.us under the “Public Participation” tab by clicking the link “Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.”

Projects should be submitted by 5PM on Monday, January 30, 2012, via email to RA-EPgovenviroawards@pa.gov.

For assistance with completing the application, please call 717-783-8727.

Drivers Licence Centers Closed Today

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed today -Monday, January 16 –  in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.state.pa.us.

Driver and vehicle online services are available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week and include driver’s license and photo ID renewals; vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; and exam scheduling.

There are no additional fees for using online services.

A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2012 is available on the website under “News, Stats and Facts.”

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before heading out.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews.