The NJ Environmental Lobby recently named former Atlantic County Utilities Authority President Rick Dovey as the recipient of its Environmental Legacy Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to protecting the natural resources of New Jersey.
“We congratulate Rick on this wonderful honor,” said current ACUA President Matthew DeNafo. “Rick is champion of the environment. He inaugurated many of ACUA’s renewable energy projects and has created a more sustainable future for our communities. His contributions will leave a positive impact for many years to come.”
Dovey served as ACUA president for more than 33 years before retiring in 2023. He is credited with shaping the authority into an award-winning, nationally recognized organization noted for its excellence in innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.
As a strong proponent of renewable energy and sustainability, Dovey initiated many of ACUA’s ground-breaking projects, DeNafo said in a release.
"His forethought and determination made ACUA home to the state’s first commercial wind farm, a 500-kilowatt solar installation, South Jersey’s first compressed natural gas (CNG) station, a landfill gas-to-energy project, and the installation of the state’s first and largest energy storage battery project," he said.
Margate's former Recycling Coordinator Franz Adler, who also serves on the county's Solid Waste Advisory Council, said the honor is well-deserved.
"Rick Dovey built the future of South Jersey's environment through hard work and commitment. Everyday, our air, our water, and our sanitary health were his passions," he said in a Facebook post. "Rick Dovey, for 30 plus years, made South Jersey realize how important their environment was to them and future of their families."
Dovey will be presented with the award alongside honorees Tyrese Gould Jacinto, Debra Coyle McFadden, and Timika Lindsay, at the NJEL awards dinner on Friday, Nov. 8.
