Wednesday, October 25, 2000
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Wednesday, October 25, 2000 |
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Cowan honored as protector of environment
Peachtree City's Joel Cowan, chairman of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, has been honored for his work to protect the environment. Cowan received an Environmental Merit Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Southeast Region recently. He was one of 16 people in eight Southeast states to receive the honor in its first year, along with 31 non-profit organizations, government groups and businesses. He was selected from more than 250 nominees because of his efforts with GRTA as well as a lifelong commitment to sustainable economic growth, said EPA regional administrator John Hankinson. Cowan was one of the original developers of Peachtree City, which set aside 20 percent of its land area as public green space and has 80 miles of recreational paths. Cowan also headed the Georgia Growth Strategies Commission in the 1980s. People like Cowan make a big impact on the environment, said Hankinson. "One of the real transformations we are seeing is an increasing emphasis of citizens who have committed their professional and personal lives to the environment," he said. Gov. Roy Barnes joined Hankinson in presenting the award, calling Cowan "one of the most forward-thinking individuals I have ever met." "I'm proud to be here to honor Joel Cowan and all the other recipients of these awards," the governor added. The awards ceremony was at the Carter Center in Atlanta.
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