Winners of the first annual Michigan Green Chemistry Governor's Award Program were honored last evening at a special ceremony held at the Detroit Institute of Arts.  The program, established by the Michigan Green Chemistry Roundtable in support of Governor Granholm's Executive Directive 2006-6, was designed to celebrate innovations in green chemistry in Michigan. 

The Green Chemistry program recognizes advances that either incorporates the principles of green chemistry into chemical design, manufacture, or use, or that promote activities which support or implement those technologies.  The seven award winners were also recognized earlier today at the Michigan Green Chemistry Conference held at the Fort Shelby Doubletree in downtown Detroit.

"These award winners have demonstrated that environmental protection and sound business practices can, and do, go hand-in-hand," said Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester.  "I congratulate them on their innovation and commitment to the ideals of green chemistry."

Winners of the 2009 Michigan Green Chemistry Governor's Award, listed by category, are:

• Business:
  • Dow AgroSciences
  • PPG Industries
• Academic:
  • Dr. Yinlun Huang, Wayne State University
  • Dr. Phillip Savage, University of Michigan
• Education:
  • Grand Valley State University, Chemistry Department
• Public:
  • Ecology Center
• Student:
  • Nathan Craft, Grand Valley State University

Further information on the Michigan Green Chemistry Program is available on the DEQ Web site at www.michigan.gov/deqgreenchemistry, or by contacting DEQ's Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278, or by e-mail at deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov.

Editor's note:  DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"