The District's highest honor for outstanding contributions toward the prevention or control of air pollution in the Mojave Desert 

The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District's Exemplar Award recognizes outstanding contributions toward the prevention or control of air pollution in the Mojave Desert Air Basin.

Eligible candidates include local businesses, industries, schools, organizations and individuals who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to clean air through the development of voluntary air pollution reduction and/or prevention programs.  Nominated entities must be located within the MDAQMD’s boundaries – which encompass the High Desert portion of San Bernardino County and Riverside County’s Palo Verde Valley. Nominated individuals must reside within the MDAQMD’s boundaries. Candidates may be self-nominated or nominated by a second party.

Submit a nomination for this year's award through Sept. 20, 2024.

Download a nomination packet here.

For more information, contact Martial Haprov, Public Information Officer, 760-245-1661, ext. 3002, mhaprov@mdaqmd.ca.gov.

Previous winners

VVWRA General Manager Darron Poulsen, center, receives the Exemplar Award on behalf of VVWRA from MDAQMD Board Chair Kari Leon, left, and Executive Director/APCO Brad Poiriez, right. Photo courtesy of VVWRA

2022-2023: Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority

2020-2021: SoCalGas

2019-20: ComAv Technical Services

2018-2019: Northwest Pipe Adelanto 

2017-2018: Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow

Other previous winners:

2016-2017: Twentynine Palms MCAGCC
2015-2016: CEMEX, Victorville Plant
2014-2015: Duffy Boats, Adelanto
2013-2014: Advance Disposal, Hesperia and Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority
2012-2013: Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company and the City of Barstow