WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting nominations for the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce both the use and generation of chemicals that are hazardous to the environment and people’s health. Nominations are due to the agency by December 31, 2011.
“These presidential awards recognize technologies that create safer and more environmentally friendly chemicals, manufacturing processes, and products,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “Green chemistry is driving innovation to safer chemicals and helping to create new jobs in a greener economy.”
Get training in Radiation Health and Safety and earn CEUs.
One of over 25 IACET-accredited courses in the Academy.
The 2012 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards mark the 17th year of the program. This year EPA is encouraging nominations for technologies that will provide safer alternatives to priority chemicals, such as diisocyanates, phthalates, bisphenol A, certain flame retardants, formaldehyde, lead and mercury.
Throughout the first 16 years, EPA received more than 1,400 nominations and presented awards to 82 entrants. Winning technologies alone are responsible for reducing the use or generation of more than 199 million pounds of hazardous chemicals, saving 21 billion gallons of water, and eliminating 57 million pounds of carbon dioxide releases to the air.
For more information on how to submit entries visit: http://www.epa.gov/greenchemistry
