Texas Tech Earns Environmental Excellence Award From Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) has been selected to receive the 2009 Texas Environmental Excellence Award in the area of education by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). TIEHH was one of 10 winners - organizations and an individual person - selected for this award through the TCEQ organization and a State of Texas Blue Ribbon Panel established by the Governor's office. The institute will be recognized by Gov. Rick Perry and the Commissioners of TCEQ at the Texas Environmental Excellence Awards Banquet May 13 in Austin. "The recognition by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in giving the award to TIEHH further acknowledges the outstanding academic program being implemented through our Department of Environmental Toxicology at TIEHH and the excellence of our master's and doctoral graduates, who are the institute's blue ribbon product," said Ron Kendall, director of TIEHH. The awards banquet will be part of the Environmental Trade Fair and Conference sponsored by TCEQ, which occurs annually in Austin. Kendall, along with Texas Tech President Guy Bailey, will accept the award. Recommended by a Blue Ribbon Committee of environmental experts from public and private industry, the awards honor individuals, businesses and organizations that have created successful programs that conserve natural resources, reduce waste and prevent pollution. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1993, the awards program reflects the goals of the TCEQ itself: to protect Texas human and natural resources and ensure clean air, clean water and the safe management of waste. "These award winners are shining examples of how everyone-from one individual to a corporation-can improve and protect our state's natural resources," said Buddy Garcia, TCEQ chairman. TCEQ is in the process of developing a video on TIEHH's academic and research excellence that will be shown at the awards ceremony and distributed in Texas. The Texas House of Representatives and Senate will develop a joint resolution recognizing TIEHH, and this resolution will be read from the House and Senate floors on May 13. CONTACT:Ronald Kendall, director, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, (806) 885-4567, ron.kendall@tiehh.ttu.edu.