New York Governor George E. Pataki has been named winner of the Environmental Law Institute’s (ELI) 2006 Annual Award. During the 20 years that the award has been given, ELI has recognized many giants who were instrumental in improving environmental policy, law, and management. Past honorees include four EPA Administrators, four U.S. Senators, leaders of the bench and the environmental bar, and leaders of non-governmental organizations both here in the United States and abroad.
In announcing the award, ELI President Leslie Carothers recognized Governor Pataki’s demonstrated commitment to pragmatic and effective environmental stewardship in New York state, his unmatched record in land conservation, and his leadership in organizing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which seven northeastern states have undertaken to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from sources in their states.
Carothers also noted that Pataki would be the first sitting governor to receive the award.
The Award presentation will be the highlight of ELI’s Annual Award Dinner, which convenes 900 environmental practitioners, policy makers, industry leaders, and distinguished academics to celebrate the award presentation. This year’s event will take place on November 8, 2006, in Washington, DC. For more information, please visit the ELI Annual Award Dinner Web page at http://www.eli.org/Dinner/index.cfm.