The Department of Justice Environment and Natural Resources Division’s (ENRD) Muskie-Chafee Award honors current or former federal employees who, through their work and dedication, have made significant contributions toward protecting our environment.  Named after two leaders of the modern environmental movement, Edmund S. Muskie and John H. Chafee, the award was first given in 1999, helping to mark the Division’s 90th anniversary.

The Muskie-Chafee Award recognizes that protection of our environment would not be possible without the federal employees who implement these laws.  It is their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts that make the laws on the books the reality of the land.  Often these individuals work with little recognition and even less compensation.  But they do so because they believe strongly that environmental protection is important, not just for this generation, but also for all of those to come.

The inspiration for this award came from two giants in the modern era of environmental protection: Edmund S. Muskie (1914-1996) and John H. Chafee (1922-1999).

To learn more about Senator Muskie, Senator Chafee and to see see a list of Muskie-Chafee Award recipients and their accomplishments, see below:

Edmund S. Muskie (1914-1996)
John H. Chafee (1922-1999)
Muskie-Chafee Award Recipients