Former Collin County Judge Ron Harris recognized for outstanding achievement

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Excellence Awards program recognizes and honors outstanding, innovative efforts in achieving cleaner air. The awards are presented in five categories: clean air technology, community action, education/outreach, regulatory/policy innovations and transportation efficiency innovations - with two additional special awards for visionary programs and individual achievement.

This year’s Thomas W. Zosel Outstanding Achievement Award is presented to:


Ron Harris, Former Collin County Judge

For the past 15 years, Judge Ron Harris of Collin County, Texas, has not only shouldered the vast responsibilities of a County Judge, but has also committed himself to improving air quality in the State of Texas and in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. Judge Harris serves as Chair of the North Texas Clean Air Steering Committee (NTCAS) and is founder of the Texas Clean Air Working Group (TCAWG). He was instrumental in the development of the DFW ozone nonattainment plan, and is now working to provide direction on the future nine county ozone plan through NTCAS for the new eight-hour ozone standard. Judge Harris has been an advocate for partnerships of local elected officials and stakeholders with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Environmental Protection Agency in air quality planning. During his tenure as chairman of TCAWG, Judge Harris led the way to secure funding for the Texas Emission Reduction Program. This program, which has become a model across the country, is now funded at over $150 million per year and provides more funds for diesel engines than the rest of the country combined. Mr. Harris’ leadership for clean air and innovative initiatives has resulted in great strides in improving Texas air quality.
The awards program was established in 2000 at the recommendation of the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC), a senior-level policy committee that advises EPA on implementing the Clean Air Act. For more information on this year’s awards ceremony, visit: http://www.epa.gov/air/caaac/clean_award.html