2016 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Awards

The Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) is California's highest environmental honor. The program recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made notable, voluntary contributions in conserving California's precious resources, protecting and enhancing our environment, building public-private partnerships and strengthening the state's economy.

The winners of the 2016 GEELA were honored during an awards ceremony on Friday, January 19, 2017.

Categories

This year, GEELA recipients will be chosen from five categories and one subcategory:

• Climate Change
  • Automobile Dealer Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Promotion
• Ecosystem and Land Use Stewardship
• Environmental Education
• Sustainable Practices, Communities or Facilities
• Waste Reduction

Who May Apply/Eligibility

The awards were presented on January 19, 2017 for voluntary achievements culminated in 2016. Competition is open to all California residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, professional and trade associations, communities, state and local government entities, tribes, and federal agencies operating in California. Projects are deemed ineligible if they are the result of mitigation, litigation, or required by legislation. Those who applied previously are welcome to apply again. CalEPA will begin accepting application for next year’s awards this Spring. You can still view the categories, submission guidelines and other information utilized last year at Applications for the 2016 awards, now closed.

Award Selection

The annual Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award Program is administered by the California Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the Natural Resources Agency, the Department of Food and Agriculture, the State Transportation Agency, the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency, the Government Operations Agency, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, and the Health and Human Services Agency.

Contact

For any questions regarding the application process, please contact Nilan Watmore.