Staff of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign accepted a 2011 EPA Environmental Quality Award at a ceremony in downtown Manhattan on Friday. According to the EPA, the award is “the highest recognition presented to the public” by the agency and is given to nonprofits, businesses, community groups, educators, and individual citizens who “have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to protecting and enhancing environmental quality and public health.” Tri-State was nominated for the award by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for its advocacy in New York. (See Sen. Gillibrand’s release here.)

“With soaring gas prices and a sluggish economic recovery, the need for more sustainable, equitable and transit-friendly communities is even greater than before,” said Kate Slevin, executive director of the Campaign, in a release. “These goals cannot be realized without leadership from our elected officials at all levels of government. We are proud and honored to accept the 2011 US EPA Environmental Quality Award for our work to promote sustainable transportation and land use policy in New York. We thank Senator Gillibrand for her unwavering commitment to sustainability and we look forward to fighting for safer roads, livable communities, and more attractive walking, biking and transit options for all New Yorkers.”

Photo: Courtesy of Kellie Terry-Sepulveda.