In conjunction with Earth Day, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented an Environmental Quality Award to the Naval Air Engineering Station (NAES) in Lakehurst. NAES Lakehurst was one of seven winners from New Jersey honored for efforts to protect the environment. EPA Acting Regional Administrator George Pavlou presented the awards in April at a ceremony at the EPA's office in Manhattan, and environmental advocate Majora Carter delivered keynote remarks. "These exemplary environmental stewards have gone above and beyond for environmental change in local communities around New Jersey," said Pavlou. "Let their extraordinary contributions remind us all that we can make our world a better place and individuals really inspire others and make a lasting difference."

NAES Lakehurst was recognized for its environmental management system, which is used as its primary means to achieve environmental compliance and improve environmental quality. In 2008 the station achieved a total solid waste diversion rate of 94 percent, as well as reduced hazardous waste generation by 27 percent and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 33 percent. In addition, NAES Lakehurst has preserved over 400 acres adjacent to the station, providing a future environment that includes open lands, species habitat, and resource stewardship.

The EPA selects Environmental Quality Award winners from nonprofit environmental and community groups, individual citizens, educators, business organizations and members of the news media, as well as from federal, state, local or tribal governments and agencies. The honor is given to those individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to improving the environment and public health in EPA Region 2, which covers New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and seven federally recognized Indian Nations. Nominations for the awards are received from both inside and outside the EPA.