WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the 14th year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing chemical technologies developed by leading researchers and industrial innovators who are making significant contributions to pollution prevention in the United States. The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards are given in five categories: Academic, Small Business, Greener Synthetic Pathways, Greener Reaction Conditions and Designing Greener Chemicals.

The 2009 Award winners are: Professor Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA; Virent Energy Systems Inc., Madison, WI; Eastman Chemical Co., Kingsport, TN; CEM Corp., Matthews, NC; and Procter & Gamble Co., Cincinnati, OH, jointly with Cook Composites and Polymers Co., North Kansas City, MO.

EPA’s Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge promotes research and development of less-hazardous alternatives to existing technologies that reduce or eliminate waste, particularly hazardous waste, in industrial production.