Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll was recognized today as the 2024 winner of the “Recycling Impact Award,” presented by the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) in partnership with the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA). The award is presented annually to a lieutenant governor or second-in-command in state government who has demonstrated a commitment to resource conservation, sustainability, reuse, and recycling.
“The recycled materials industry is a cornerstone of the American economy, transforming obsolete, surplus, or incidentally produced materials into fundamental components of our daily lives – from the roads we travel on and the cars we drive, to the buildings we occupy and the packaging that brings consumer goods and food into our households. The industry plays a pivotal role in helping the nation source more materials locally and sustainably, making our supply chain more resilient, our economy stronger, and our planet more sustainable,” said Robin Wiener, President of the Recycled Materials Association. “Lt. Governor Driscoll’s understanding of the importance of recycled materials and her unwavering support for recycling, sustainability, and innovative solutions make her a deserving recipient of the Recycling Impact Award. We are grateful for her support.”
“In Massachusetts, we know that sustainability is key to protecting the environment, and our administration is proud of the efforts we’ve made to invest in and improve our green initiatives,” said Lt. Governor Driscoll. “I’m honored by this recognition from the NLGA and ReMA, and look forward to continuing my efforts to make Massachusetts a national leader in recycling and sustainability.”
Lt. Governor Driscoll is a longtime proponent and supporter of sustainability initiatives, both as the Mayor of Salem and in her current role as lieutenant governor. As Mayor, she implemented programs that significantly improved the city’s recycling rates, addressed waste and litter, and joined the Compact of Mayors, a coalition of city leaders dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions – of which recycling is a crucial contributor. At the state level, Lt. Governor Driscoll champions the Recycling and Reuse Business Development grants to support the private sector’s efforts to increase recycling, protect the environment, and create jobs. She has also joined the governor in leading the “Mass Leads Act,” an economic development bill aimed at transforming the commonwealth into a climate innovation hub while supporting small businesses, workforce development, and more.
The award was presented to Lt. Governor Driscoll on July 31, 2024, at the NLGA Annual Meeting in Detroit, Michigan.