For Immediate Release: Thursday, April 15, 2010
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 14, 2010—Montgomery County Council President Nancy Floreen on Tuesday, April 20, will recognize 40 environmentalists that have made a difference in Montgomery County over the past 40 years as the County celebrates the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The “40 Environmentalists in 40 Years” tribute will begin at 9 a.m. as part of the Council’s regular weekly general session at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville.
Council President Floreen has asked residents and a wide variety of organizations across the County for nominations.
“Starting with Silver Spring resident Rachel Carson, who is widely considered the mother of the modern environmental movement, Montgomery County has a rich history of environmental advancement,” said Council President Floreen, who chairs the Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee. “The ‘40 Environmentalists in 40 Years’ awards will pay homage to that history and to the individuals who shaped it.”
Recipients of the award will be selected based on significant impacts they have made on climate policies, energy efficiency, renewable energy or other environmental goals in Montgomery County in the last 40 years. The winners will represent a wide range of issues and accomplishments spanning four decades. The names and biographies of the awardees will be released at the ceremony.
Thursday, April 22, marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, a worldwide celebration day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the earth’s environment. Earth Day was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in in 1970.