The Center for Environmental Information (CEI) is now accepting nominations for the 2003 Hugh E. Cumming Environmental Quality Award. Each year the award is presented to an individual, group or organization that has made a significant contribution to environmental protection, improvement or education in the Rochester-Genesee-Finger Lakes region.

Activities eligible for the award may consist of technical achievements or contributions of time, expertise or other resources. Whatever form this activity takes, it should be substantial and have been undertaken beyond the performance of a routine job, community expectation or legal requirement.

The honoree and all those nominated will be recognized at the Community Salute to the Environment, sponsored by the Center for Environmental Information. This year's event will take place at the Hyatt Regency on October 28, with Dr. James Mahoney, Director of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program, speaking on the cutting edge topic of "Climate Change and You."

The 2003 Environmental Quality award will be the twenty-third presented by CEI. Honorees in recent years have included the Finger Lakes-Lake Ontario Water Protection Alliance, Rochester Mayor William Johnson, Monroe County Environmental Management Council, Ann and Robert Jones, Dennis Money, Doc and Katy Abraham and the Helmer Nature Center.

Nominations will be judged by a panel of representatives from the environmental community, government and education, chaired by CEI Board member Dr. James C. White, emeritus professor, Cornell University.

To obtain a nomination form contact the Center for Environmental Information, 55 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY 14604; phone 585-262-2870; email ceiroch@frontiernet.net. All nominations must be received by Tuesday, September 30.