The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has revealed the recipients of the 2025 Governor’s Texas Environmental Excellence Awards, recognizing significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainability across the state. The annual awards, which highlight efforts from individuals and organizations alike, aim to inspire enhanced environmental stewardship throughout Texas.
Honored projects this year focus on various areas such as pollution prevention, energy efficiency, and innovative educational programs. An awards ceremony to commend these achievements is scheduled for June 10 at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin.
In the Agriculture category, Belding Farms of Fort Stockton was celebrated for their work on sustainable pecan farming through water efficiency. Coastal Bend Bays Foundation in Corpus Christi was the Civic/Community winner due to their impactful environmental programs.
Education initiatives by the Galveston Bay Foundation in Kemah secured them a win, while Kacy Debney from Samuel Clemons High School was named Environmental Educator of the Year. Notably, Ronald J. Kendall, Ph.D., from Texas Tech University was recognized individually for his work in wildlife conservation, specifically his development of medicated feed to combat parasitic diseases in wild quail populations.
The City of Denton was noted for its Commercial Organics Diversion Pilot as part of its Innovative Operations/Management efforts. In Pollution Prevention, the City of San Antonio led with their Deconstruction and Circular Economy initiative.
Technical advancements saw recognition of the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center in Fort Worth, with their sensor-driven solutions gaining accolades. In the Youth category, Asvini Thivakaran of Round Rock was honored for the "Save the Planet" project.
The Texas Environmental Excellence Awards has been acknowledging environmental achievements since 1993, honoring more than 300 projects to date. TCEQ extends its congratulations to all this year’s winners and finalists, the full list of which is available at www.TEEA.org.
