NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Shari Meghreblian have announced the winners of the 2018 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards.

Montgomery County Energy Upgrades received the award for the Energy and Renewable Resources category.

Winners will be recognized for their achievements and positive impact on the state’s natural resources in an awards ceremony to be held in Franklin on July 9, 2018.

“These recipients have gone above and beyond what’s required of them, and I commend their passion and drive to make Tennessee a more sustainable and innovative state,” said Haslam.

The Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards program recognizes exceptional voluntary actions that improve or protect our environment and natural resources with projects or initiatives not required by law or regulation.

In its 32nd year, this year’s awards program covers nine categories: Building Green; Clean Air; Energy and Renewable Resources; Environmental Education and Outreach; Environmental Education and Outreach (schools); Land Use; Materials Management; Natural Heritage; and Sustainable Performance.

“A lot of TDEC’s work focuses on education and partnerships that promote these types of voluntary actions wherever possible,” said Meghreblian. “These organizations demonstrate that environmental stewardship can be conducive to economic gains and healthier communities.”

Six additional entities will be announced at the awards ceremony: four will receive Pursuit of Excellence Awards, which honor past award winners who continue to demonstrate a high regard for environmental stewardship practices; two will be honored with the Robert Sparks Walker Lifetime Achievement Award – one for a professional and one for a volunteer.

A panel of 18 professionals representing agricultural, conservation, forestry, environmental and academic professionals judged more than 75 nominations and selected this year’s award recipients based on criteria including on-the-ground achievement, innovation and public education.

For more information, visit https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/redirect—policy-and-sustainable-practices/opsp-sustainable-practices/governor-s-environmental-stewardship-awards.html.