The Department of Environmental Protection is encouraging environmental stewards to apply for the 2014 Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards.The awards are open to all Pennsylvania businesses, farms, government agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and individuals that have developed innovative environmental programs or have implemented projects that balance environmental stewardship and economic development.

Examples of eligible projects include wastewater recycling technology innovation, resource development, renewable and alternative energy innovation, watershed restoration strategies and environmental education outreach, among others.Projects will be evaluated based on seven criteria detailed within the guidelines, including environmental benefits and use of innovative technology. The project must have been completed between Aug. 1, 2012, and July 31, 2013. 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. Past winners may submit applications for new projects.Recipients of the awards will be honored during an evening reception on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, and the winning projects will also be listed on DEP's website.Projects should be submitted via email to RA-EPgovenviroawards@pa.gov by 5 p.m. on Jan. 17, 2014. Faxed or mailed submissions will not be considered.For more information or to apply, visit

www.dep.state.pa.us, keyword: Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence. For assistance with completing the application, call 717-783-8727.