EPA Announces Gulf Guardian Award

EPA Announces Gulf Guardian Award

DALLAS – (April 27, 2022) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf of Mexico Division announced Andrew Barron as the winner of the Gulf Guardian Award. Andrew has developed projects in water quality, culture, education, and economic development in the in the South Louisiana coastal area.

"The work of protecting and improving the Gulf of Mexico goes far beyond the coast, touching most of the Central U.S. through the Mississippi River basin," said Regional Administrator Earthea Nance. "This year's Gulf Guardian Award winners reflect the diverse ways people can help, and their passion for making a difference. Congratulations to the awardees and for all they do to protect this precious natural resource."

"The Gulf of Mexico is a vulnerable ecosystem that requires innovative approaches and proactive measures to protect this national resource.  Over the past two years, the Gulf Guardian award winners have continued to think "outside of the box" during challenging circumstances due to COVID-19.  These Gulf Guardian Awards are an important way to recognize the valuable efforts of all their hard work to protect the environmental health of the Gulf of Mexico," said Marc Wyatt, Director, Gulf of Mexico Division.

"Most of our nations waterways are impaired at high levels due to improperly treated wastewater coming from individual home sewage systems." said senior scientist Andrew Barron. Home sewage assistance programs are absolutely critical if we want to restore our waterways for human and fisheries health."

Andrew Barron is a prominent scientist that has devoted 25 years to water quality research and education. He is well respected in the science community for his work with the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNHEP). His expertise goes further than water quality as Mr. Barron can be found teaching on Louisiana's land loss issues, edible plants, soil types, invasive species, and cultural sciences.

The Gulf of Mexico Program initiated the Gulf Guardian awards in 2000 to recognize and honor the businesses, community groups, individuals, and agencies that are taking positive steps to keep the Gulf healthy, beautiful and productive. First, second and third place awards are given in seven categories: individual, business/industry, youth environmental education, civic/nonprofit organizations, cultural diversity/environmental justice, partnership and bi-national efforts.

The Gulf of Mexico Program began in 1988 to protect, restore, and maintain the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem in economically sustainable ways. The Gulf of Mexico Program is underwritten by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is a non-regulatory, inclusive consortium of state and federal government agencies and representatives of the business and agricultural community, fishing industry, scientists, environmentalists, and community leaders from all five Gulf States. The Gulf Program seeks to improve the environmental health of the Gulf in concert with economic development.

For more information about the U.S. EPA Gulf of Mexico Division visit our webpage

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