DEP Meteorologist Receives EPA Award

May 3, 2017

Contact: David Madore, Communications Director, david.madore@maine.gov or (207) 287-5842

Thomas Downs, Chief Meteorologist in the Bureau of Air Quality at Maine DEP, has received the EPA Environmental Merit Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions and continued efforts to address the implementation of significant local, regional, and national ambient air quality programs.

"Without fanfare or recognition, Tom tirelessly provides expert-level technical analyses of air quality data not only for Maine, but also for all the other states in the Ozone Transport Region," said Paul Mercer, DEP Commissioner. "Tom's work provides a consistent approach to this data analysis, making the results much easier to compare and understand."

His understanding of complex air quality issues and policy make him an invaluable resource, not only on a local or regional level, but on a national level as well. Because of his attention to detail and high quality standards, much of Tom's work is readily shared among many State and Federal environmental organizations.

Mr. Downs was honored by EPA at a ceremony held in Boston on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. For more information about air quality trends, visit DEP's website at http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/