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U.S. Rep. Swalwell, EPA Regional Administrator Honor Fremont, Calif. Student with Presidential Award

Release Date: 04/11/2014
Contact Information: Margot Perez-Sullivan, perezsullivan.margot@epa.gov, 415-947-4149

SAN FRANCISCO – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld and U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15) today honored Pavan Raj Gowda of Fremont, Calif. with EPA Region 9’s President’s Environmental Youth Award during a ceremony held at Pavan’s school, Alsion Montessori Middle/High School in Fremont.

“EPA is pleased to recognize Pavan’s efforts to raise the level of environmental awareness of his young peers through his annual Green Kids Conference,” said Mr. Blumenfeld. “He is an inspiration for the community at large.”

“I wish to congratulate my constituent Pavan Raj Gowda on receiving the President’s Environmental Youth Award,” said Congressman Swalwell. “I applaud his dedication to the environment and his work to achieve a cleaner and healthier planet through his group Green Kids Now. I look forward to hearing about his future accomplishments.”

Pavan, age 14, established Green Kids Now, Inc, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, that strives to increase understanding of environmental issues among children by offering school programs, workshops and online resources. The organization hosts an annual “Green Kids Conference” in Mountain View, Calif. that serves as a forum for students and their families to learn about and explore environmental issues, such as climate science and air quality, and provides resources and opportunities for children to use in their communities.

Pavan also serves as an international reporter for the Primary Perspective children’s radio program in Australia, and is actively helping schools in the San Francisco Bay Area obtain the Green Star Award, which is sponsored by the United Nations and non-profit Green Star International.

Established in 1971, The President’s Environmental Youth Award promotes awareness of our nation’s natural resources and encourages positive community involvement. One outstanding project from each of EPA’s ten regions is selected for national recognition. Projects are developed by young individuals, K-12 school classes, summer camps, and youth organizations.

With a focus on environmental stewardship, other PEYA-winning projects throughout the nation range from analyzing and installing wind power in New England to restoring prairie land in Texas and reducing the use of disposable bags in Colorado.

More information about the national PEYA award winners, visit: https://www.epa.gov/education/presidents-environmental-youth-award-peya-winners

More information about this program, visit: https://www.epa.gov/education/presidents-environmental-youth-award

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