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.
Winners include Katie Lewis, Ph.D., from Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Lubbock for her work on regenerative agricultural management practices; City of Snyder and Keep Snyder Beautiful for community beautification; Austin Youth River Watch for after-school and summer programs; Erica Jazmin Villarreal as Environmental Educator of the Year; Neil Kucera, Ph.D., for his role with the Capital Area Regional Environmental Task Force; Austin FC/Q2 Stadium for materials recovery initiatives; PepsiCo Global Concentrate Solutions for hazardous waste elimination; Texas Disposal Systems and partners for recycling technologies; and Coppell High School Eco Club for youth-led environmental action. Finalists represent a range of projects across agriculture, civic engagement, education, operations management, pollution prevention, technology innovation, and youth involvement.
“The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality proudly presents the winners of the 2026 Governor’s Texas Environmental Excellence Awards. These annual awards celebrate the bold efforts of citizens, communities, businesses, and organizations working to help preserve and protect the Texas environment,” said TCEQ in its announcement.
The agency operates from its main headquarters in Austin with regional offices throughout Texas to oversee environmental regulations according to its official website. About 2,800 staff members work from these locations to enforce standards related to air emissions, water quality, waste disposal, and petroleum storage oversight according to its official website.
TCEQ’s mission is to reduce pollution while promoting clean air and water as well as safe waste management aligned with sustainable economic development according to its official website. The agency coordinates compliance through divisions focused on air quality, water resources, waste management, public health standards—and extends regulatory influence statewide through its network of regional offices according to its official website.
Since 1993, more than 300 projects have been recognized by these awards. TCEQ congratulated all winners and finalists this year. The full list is available at www.TEEA.org.
