The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality announced on Mar. 12 the winners and finalists of the 2026 Governor’s Texas Environmental Excellence Awards, which recognize individuals, organizations, and communities for their efforts to protect and preserve the environment in Texas.
These annual awards highlight projects focused on sustainability, pollution prevention, energy efficiency, and environmental education. The commission will honor this year’s recipients at an awards banquet scheduled for June 9 at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. According to TCEQ, “these annual awards celebrate the bold efforts of citizens, communities, businesses, and organizations working to help preserve and protect the Texas environment, while inspiring others to take steps to become better environmental stewards in their communities.”
Winners include Katie Lewis of Texas A&M AgriLife Research for sustainable agriculture practices; City of Snyder and Keep Snyder Beautiful for community initiatives; Austin Youth River Watch for educational programs; Erica Jazmin Villarreal as Environmental Educator of the Year; Neil Kucera for individual contributions; Austin FC/Q2 Stadium for innovative operations; PepsiCo Global Concentrate Solutions for pollution prevention; Texas Disposal Systems and partners for technical innovation; and Coppell High School Eco Club in the youth category. Finalists represent a range of projects from wildlife rescue to waste reduction.
The Texas Department of Environmental Quality conducts its main administrative operations at its Austin headquarters on Park 35 Circle, with regional offices spread throughout Texas for environmental oversight, according to the official website. The agency employs about 2,800 staff operating from its central office in Austin and 16 regional offices across Texas according to the official website. Its mission is to protect Texas by reducing and preventing pollution while promoting clean air, clean water and safe waste management aligned with sustainable economic development according to the official website.
The department enforces regulations covering air emissions, water pollution, waste disposal and petroleum storage oversight according to the official website. It facilitates collaboration through compliance and enforcement divisions that regulate emissions, water quality and public health standards across Texas according to the official website.
Since its inception in 1993, more than 300 projects have been honored by these awards. TCEQ said it “applauds the creativity and resourcefulness” of all participants. The full list of winners can be found at www.TEEA.org.
