PROVIDENCE – Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit was presented with the John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Award from the Environment Council of Rhode Island last night at the organization's 15th annual Chafee Conservation Celebration. Honoring the memory of the late Senator and his dedication to protecting and preserving the natural environment, the Environment Council award honors an outstanding individual or organization each year for their dedication and efforts to improve the health of the Rhode Island environment. This year's award was presented by ECRI President Jamie Rhodes, and John Chafee's oldest son, Zechariah Chafee. "The Environment Council of RI is proud to help carry the late Sen. John Chafee's legacy of conservation into the future. Given the close ties that Director Coit has to that history and the pivotal role she has played in shaping state and national environmental policy, there is no more deserving individual that her to receive the 2014 Chafee Award," said ECRI President Jamie Rhodes. "Receiving this award named after one of the nation's conservation giants, John Chafee, means the absolute world to me," said Coit. "I am humbled and inspired, and very moved. Thank you, Environment Council of Rhode Island, for providing an event where we come together to support and inspire one another by recognizing John Chafee's shining example." Early in her career, Director Coit served as counsel to the US Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works, where she worked on national environmental policy for the late Senator John Chafee who chaired the committee. In 1997, she moved to Rhode Island where she worked as counsel and environmental coordinator in the Providence office of the late senator, and subsequently for then Senator Lincoln Chafee. From 2001 to 2011, Coit worked at The Nature Conservancy, where she led the Rhode Island Chapter. Director Coit presented the keynote address at Thursday's Environment Council of Rhode Island event and spoke about her experiences working for Senator John Chafee.
"Those of us privileged to work for and with John Chafee think often of what we learned from him, and know we are better people because we had him as a mentor and role model," she said. "And, when it comes to conservation and protection of our environment – he was truly heroic, and his deeds and good works continue to shape our lands, safeguard are waters and improve the quality of life in Rhode Island and far beyond."
During her remarks to the 100 environmental and community leaders attending the awards program, Director Coit said, "The lessons I learned from John Chafee influence me every day. I often think of him specifically, and remember his courage in the face of defeats and loss, his delight in nature, and his optimism as he tackled a new challenge with vision and verve."
Coit told the crowd that this week marked the 50th anniversary of the landmark Green Acres Act, approved by the General Assembly on May 5, 1964. She spoke of how the then Governor pressed for the enactment of this pivotal legislation that led to the establishment of Colt Park, East Matunuck Beach, Snake Den and J.L. Curran Management Areas, and many other parks and refuges across the state. Director Coit read from one of John Chafee's speeches from 1964 where he spoke of being "in the fight to preserve some parts of our lands in their natural beauty, in their primitive ruggedness."
Director Coit is dedicated to preserving the quality of our environment and protecting the natural systems critical to the health, safety and well-being of Rhode Islanders as she leads the Department of Environmental Management. The Department is currently supporting a $75 million Clean Water, Open Space and Healthy Communities bond recommended by Governor Lincoln Chafee and currently before the General Assembly as part of the budget. "Rhode Islanders have overwhelmingly approved these bond measures," said Coit. "This public investment preserves our drinking water quality and supports our tourism, farm and fishing economy," said Coit. "There is more work ahead."
"What we do here matters desperately to Rhode Island and the world," she said. "And, it is heartening and important to celebrate our successes and recognize the important work by people and organizations united in our desire to conserve and safeguard our natural resources, to give nature a chance, and to take on tough challenges so that our children's children will inherit a healthy and vibrant Rhode Island."
The Environment Council of Rhode Island (ECRI) is a coalition of over 60 Rhode Island organizations as well as individuals whose mission is to serve as an effective voice for developing and advocating policies and laws that protect and enhance the environment.