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    DEP Newsroom

    Shapiro Administration Invites Applicants for the 2026 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence

    DEP is seeking applications from businesses, farms, government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations that have developed or participated in environmental protection and stewardship projects in Pennsylvania

    October 30, 2025

    Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration invites all Pennsylvanians who have recently worked on a successful environmental project to apply for the 2026 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, the state’s top environmental honor.

    Any Pennsylvania business, farm, government agency, educational institution, or nonprofit organization that has developed or participated in a project that promotes environmental protection and stewardship in the Commonwealth may apply.

    Apply for the 2026 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence

    The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) oversees the award selection process, evaluating projects on seven criteria: commitment to protecting the environment, partnership, environmental education and outreach, innovation, climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice. The Governor’s Office will then select the awardees.

    “We’re looking to uplift individuals and entities who have advanced environmental protection, education, and justice in the Commonwealth,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “These awards highlight forward-thinking organizations that are changing the environmental landscape. I encourage all environmental stewards to apply – from a 2 person small business or a small community group to a multinational corporation, no group is too big or too small to make a difference. Nominating a person or an organization will help showcase the many ways Pennsylvanians are improving and protecting the environment.”

    Projects must have been completed between November 1, 2024, and November 19, 2025.

    Applications are submitted online. Find more information on eligibility and the application at the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence. DEP will accept applications through Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

    Nineteen businesses, non-profits, schools, and agencies earned the 2025 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence. Awardees achieved a number of accomplishments, including developing environmental planning tools, creating sustainability programs, fostering environmental education, and restoring streams and natural areas.

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