Mayor Briggs Wins First President Roosevelt Award

James Rada, Jr.

The Maryland League of Conservation Voters has awarded Emmitsburg Mayor Don Briggs their first President Theodore Roosevelt Award.

“I am humbled to be the first recipient of this important award,” Briggs said. “I love our state and its natural gifts. This tribute says so much about our town staff and community, and our commitment to a sustainable future.”

The award was presented on October 27, 2017, Roosevelt’s birthday. The award is given to recognize “the individual, group, or organization who through a specific action, event, or body of work leaves a positive conservation legacy that mirrors the ethos of President Roosevelt.” Briggs’ award recognizes Emmitsburg’s “remarkable record of progress in publicly beneficial sustainable activities.”

Briggs has been a long-time advocate of making Emmitsburg a greener, self-sustaining community, and, at the same time, saving the town money. The town’s green projects, such as LED lights, solar power arrays, and sonic algae control, have saved the town money during Briggs time as mayor.

“Today, 95 percent of the energy required to power municipal buildings and other facilities in Emmitsburg comes from renewable sources, while the entire effort is overseen by the ‘Emmitsburg Green Team,’ made up of elected officials, town staff, and interested members of the community,” according to a news release from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters.

The Maryland League of Conservation Voters was founded in 1979 as a political group taking stands on environmental issues.

The State of Maryland also awarded Emmitsburg its Maryland Green Registry 2017 Leadership Award earlier this year.