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U.S. EPA, Air Resources Board employees recognized for work on improving air quality response, preparedness in disasters

Release Date: 05/08/2009
Contact Information: Wendy Chavez, 415/947-4248, chavez.wendy@epa.gov

Federal, state employees receive ASPA Government Innovation Award

(SAN FRANCISCO) The American Society for Public Administration has selected U.S. Environmental Protection Agency employee John Kennedy and California Air Resources Board employee Jeff Cook as this year’s Government Innovation Award winners for their work on air quality in disasters.

Kennedy and Cook are being recognized for their efforts at bringing together local, state and federal agencies to form the California Air Response Planning Alliance to help improve emergency preparedness and response to disasters affecting air quality.

“We've seen the value of involving public health and air quality  agencies in emergency response decision-making, something that has not happened enough in the past,” said Daniel Meer, the assistant director for the Superfund Division in the EPA’s Pacific Southwest region. “We are delighted that the CARPA effort is being recognized as an innovative tool to bring critical stakeholders together during significant incidents.”

“John and Jeff’s work on CARPA has created an invaluable resource for air-quality emergency teams across the country,” said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. “They deserve this recognition and I am glad to offer my congratulations and thanks to them both.”

CARPA brings together key stakeholders across the spectrum of emergency response in the air quality field, which includes local health agencies, local air pollution control districts, state and federal responders, private contractors, public information officers, and others to improve coordination, identify best practices, and provide training. The voluntary organization will focus on gathering data effectively, transferring data to a clear message, and communicating the message to the public in an understandable manner.

Since 1982, the ASPA Sacramento Chapter has honored outstanding local persons and organizations for their excellence in public administration. This year, the chapter will present awards in several categories at its annual awards dinner during Public Service Recognition Week, May 4-10. The Government Innovation Award recognizes an individual or organization that has implemented a new program, policy, or solution that has made a significant improvement in public service delivery or performance.

Other award categories include, Public Administrator of the Year, Community Service, Intergovernmental Cooperation, the Chester A. Newland Academic Excellence, the Rising Star, and the Ross Clayton Lifetime Distinguished Public Service.

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