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EPA Celebrates National Volunteer Week

Release Date: 04/17/2007
Contact Information: Jessica Emond, (202) 564-4355 / emond.jessica@epa.gov

(4/17/07) U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen L. Johnson marked National Volunteer Week by recognizing environmental leaders who have made contributions to their local communities.

National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, honors those Americans who serve others in their communities and encourages all citizens to get involved in volunteer service.

Today, Administrator Johnson presented Jay Olsen with the President's Volunteer Service Award in Salt Lake City, Utah. Olsen, who lives in Ephraim with his wife, Tawny and their nine children, has been an active volunteer and leader in watershed protection in Utah.

On Wednesday, April 18, the administrator will deliver remarks highlighting volunteerism and environmental responsibility at the City of Chicago Earth Day event at Daley Plaza in Chicago, Ill.

On Thursday, April 19, Administrator Johnson will present the President's Volunteer Service Award to the North Area Environmental Council of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

On Friday, April 20 at the annual President's Environment Youth Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., Administrator Johnson will discuss environmental stewardship and how Americans are building a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility.

In 2002, President Bush promoted volunteerism with the creation of the USA Freedom Corps (USAFC), calling on all Americans to make serving others a central part of their lives. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 65.4 million Americans volunteered in 2005 alone. The USAFC works to strengthen federally-supported service programs, break down barriers to service opportunities and help organizations better address the needs of communities.

For opportunities to meet the president's call to service: http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov and http://www.getinvolved.gov

For more information about the President's Volunteer Service Award: http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov