City’s Air Pollution Control Board encourages nominations for Air Pollution Achievement Awards: ‘It’s a critical part of our quality of life’

Published on March 23, 2026

As part of an effort to preserve Huntsville’s air quality and to recognize entities actively working in that mission, the City of Huntsville’s Air Pollution Control Board is accepting applications for the 2026 Air Pollution Achievement Awards.

The awards were established in 1997 to recognize voluntary efforts to reduce air pollutant emissions by industrial, institutional and commercial facilities in Huntsville. In addition to highlighting the achievements of the award recipients, the program is intended to promote the implementation of pollution prevention projects by other facilities in the area and increase public awareness of air pollution control measures.

The City and the Air Pollution Control Board are seeking to expand participation in the Achievement Awards to ensure that Huntsville residents and workforce can continue to enjoy its clean air.

“Our clean air is a critical part of our quality of life in Huntsville, and it should not be overlooked or taken for granted,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “As the City has invested and continues to grow its greenways and park system, clean air is an integral part of that effort. Without clean air, our greenways and parks would not be as popular. And without the exercise promoted by outdoor activities, our city will become a less healthy place to live and work.”

There are Achievement Award categories that recognize all levels of labor to preserve air quality:

• Emission Reduction (fully implemented project): Recognition of facilities that have completed and fully implemented a project that reduces pollutant emissions to the ambient air beyond what is required by regulation.
• Emission Reduction (project planned or in progress): Recognition of facilities that are working or planning on an emissions reduction project beyond what is required by regulation but are still in the planning, testing or early implementation stages.
• Air Quality Education: Recognition of efforts to educate the public and promote citizen actions to reduce emissions of air pollutants.
• Clay Durrett Air Quality Stewardship Award: Special recognition for companies that have demonstrated ongoing commitment to voluntary emission reductions, as evidenced by receipt of an Air Pollution Control Achievement Award for three consecutive years.

“Huntsville has a tremendous business community that truly cares about our residents,” said Darlene Elliott, the City’s Director of Natural Resources. “We want to celebrate everyone who is taking steps, or has already taken steps, to keep our air clean. And the awards can have a ripple effect through businesses encouraging other businesses to join the effort. We are looking forward to our biggest Air Pollution Achievement Awards yet in 2026.”

To submit a nomination, please fill out the APC AWARD NOMINATION FORM. The deadline for nominations is July 1, 2026, and the Air Pollution Achievement Awards ceremony will be held in the Fall of 2026.