EESI, GEA Announce Environmental Stewardship Award for Geothermal Industry

UPDATE: The deadline for nominations has been extended to July 1, 2011. The award will be presented at the National Geothermal Summit in Reno on August 17, 2011.

For Immediate Release: February 11, 2011
For more information contact EESI at (202) 662-1884 or communications [at] eesi.org

Washington, DC – The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) is partnering with the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) to present a new environmental stewardship award for individuals or companies in the geothermal industry. The award will recognize innovative achievements in emissions reductions and protection of air, water, and land resources. Other criteria to be evaluated include industry leadership, community engagement and education, and job creation.

“Entrepreneurs in the U.S. geothermal industry are doing some really great things – not only by providing clean, reliable energy, but also by making their operations more energy- and water-efficient and working to conserve our precious resources,” said Carol Werner, executive director of EESI. “We want to recognize those who are leading by example in the new clean energy economy.”

GEA also will present awards for inspiring examples of technological advancement and economic development.

To nominate an individual or company for outstanding achievement, please download the GEA Honors 2011 Application and email it to Kathy [at] geo-energy.org. The deadline for nominations is April 4, 2011. Award winners will be honored at the GEA Geothermal New Technologies and Applications Showcase and Forum in Washington, DC on May 4, 2011.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) is a non-profit organization founded in 1984 by a bipartisan Congressional caucus dedicated to finding innovative environmental and energy solutions. EESI works to protect the climate and ensure a healthy, secure, and sustainable future for America through policymaker education, coalition building, and policy development in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, agriculture, forestry, transportation, buildings, and urban planning.

The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) is a trade association composed of U.S. companies who support the expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal resources worldwide for electrical power generation and direct-heat uses. GEA advocates for public policies that will promote the development and utilization of geothermal resources, provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues and problems, encourages research and development to improve geothermal technologies, presents industry views to governmental organizations, provides assistance for the export of geothermal goods and services, compiles statistical data about the geothermal industry, and conducts education and outreach projects.