Monday, Sue Sosnowski to receive well-deserved award

EPA, DEM to honor Senator Sue Sosnowski with Lifetime Achievement Award

Sue (left) often teamed up with former state Rep.Donna Walsh (center) and
former & future state Senator Cathie Cool Rumsey (right) to get great
environmental legislation past, such as the state's composting bill.
Photo by Will Collette

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), together with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), is hosting a special gathering next week to present Senator V. Susan Sosnowski with the 2016 EPA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Senator Sosnowski, a stalwart environmental champion, is the chair of the Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee.

WHERE: Boardwalk Fishing Access (off parking area) Salty Brine State Beach, Port of Galilee Narragansett, Rhode Island

WHEN: Monday, September 19, 2016 | 10:00 a.m.

WHO: U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Curt Spalding Senator V. Susan Sosnowski DEM Director Janet Coit

Senator Sosnowski, who was first elected to the Rhode Island Senate more than 20 years ago, was the first female Senator from South Kingstown.

Here she is with another environmental champ, Sen.
Sheldon Whitehouse. Photo by Will Collette

A lifelong farmer, she brought a keen awareness of environmental and agricultural issues to the Senate and quickly emerged as an outspoken leader on numerous consequential topics, including green jobs, water quality, conservation, farming and food systems, and climate change.

"Every year for more than 40 years, EPA has recognized citizens, businesses and organizations who have gone the extra mile to help protect and preserve New England's communities and natural resources," said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA's New England office.

"I am especially proud to recognize Susan Sosnowski for her long-term commitment to Rhode Island's environment, and for her many significant accomplishments promoting a clean and healthy environment for Rhode Islanders. Her recognition by EPA is richly deserved."

"It is a pleasure to join the EPA to convey this award to Senator Sosnowski," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "For the past two decades, she has been a tireless advocate for our environment and for agriculture in Rhode Island.

“From spearheading efforts to create the Division of Agriculture at DEM to leading passage of critical legislation to protect our land and waters to supporting our farming and fishing businesses and growth of green jobs, I can think of none more worthy of this recognition. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Senator on her long career of effective service to the people of Rhode Island."

For more information on the 2016 EPA Lifetime Achievement Award, visit EPA's website. For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.