Deadline Extended for Applications/Nominations for 2026 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has extended the deadline for  applications and nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence to Friday, March 13, by 11:59 p.m. EDT. The original deadline was March 6.

Citizens, government agencies, businesses, organizations, and educational institutions are invited to submit nominations on behalf of others. Self-nominations (applications) are also encouraged. Eligible projects must have occurred in Indiana and been implemented in 2024 or 2025.

IDEM and the Governor’s Office will present seven awards, one in each of the following categories:

  • Energy Efficiency/Renewable Resources
  • Environmental Education/Outreach
  • Five-Year Continuous Improvement
  • Greening the Government
  • Land Use/Conservation
  • Pollution Prevention
  • Recycling/Reuse

The Greening of the Government category is designed to shine a light on communities and/or government agencies that are making significant strides towards building greener, more sustainable communities or in their operations.

Nomination forms and instructions are available at idem.IN.gov/partnerships/governors-awards-for-environmental-excellence.

Awards will be presented in September. A panel of conservation, environmental, and academic professionals will review and provide feedback on nominations. The awards will be based on project innovation, measurable results, and transferability.