ACT Group 1

2023 Air Central Texas Awards

The Air Central Texas Awards celebrate the positive contributions of organizations and individuals to regional air quality in Central Texas. Our goal is to recognize the great work happening across the region and to inspire future actions that support the region’s ongoing air quality planning efforts.

This year the Central Texas Clean Air Coalition (CAC) on Wednesday recognized Movability, Rich Segal, Dr. Peter Beck, Olivia Prior, and Bill Gibbs with its 2023 Air Central Texas awards for making significant contributions to improving the region's air quality.

(From left: Jim Stephens, Rich Segal, Alex Terrazas, Olivia Prior, Bill Schnell, and Catherine Campbell)

Movability 2

Air Central Texas Outstanding Organization Award

Movability received the 2023 Air Central Texas Outstanding Organization Award for their exceptional efforts to help reduce local air pollution. Movability currently has 86 member organizations, representing roughly 30,000 employees. Through their work, these organizations offer commuter benefits and reduce demand for drive-alone trips and parking resources. Members have logged 7,500 commute trips a year, which has resulted in a 24-ton reduction in CO2, a 31.4 lb. reduction in NOX, and saved commuters roughly $34,000.

(From left: Bill Schnell, Lonny Stern, and Alexander Terrazas)


KXAN Rich Segal

2023 Air Central Texas Media Award

Rich Segal received the 2023 Air Central Texas Media Award for his exceptional media coverage of air quality or air quality issues within the past year as a meteorologist at KXAN TV. Rich kept Central Texans informed on Air Quality, regularly announcing Ozone Action Days, and highlighting the Be Air Smart School Sensor program, which is jointly run by Air Central Texas, the Clean Air Force of Central Texas and Austin FC.

Dr Peter Beck Headshot

2023 Air Central Texas Environmental Education Award

Dr. Peter Beck received the 2023 Air Central Texas Environmental Education Award for his exceptional leadership on air quality and environmental education. Dr. Beck was an Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Policy (ENSP) at St. Edward's University from 2003-2023. Dr. Beck was responsible for starting the ENSP program at St. Edward's, which has taught thousands of students about the effects of environmental pollution on ecosystems and human communities, and the pros and cons of various policy solutions. He passed away in the summer of 2023 and was represented by St. Edward's Dean of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Catherine Campbell.

Oliva Prior

2023 Air Aware Student Leadership Award

Olivia Prior received the 2023 Air Aware Student Leadership Award for her exceptional leadership and lasting impact on Central Texas air quality. Olivia is a St. Edward’s University student in the Environmental Science and Policy program. She is the Governmental Affairs Director for Students for Sustainability and a Senator for the Student Government Association. She is also an Officer for the Ecology Club at St. Edward's. In these leadership capacities, she shares information about the importance of reducing air pollution during Ozone Action Days, the availability and impact of using public transportation, and how we can rethink transportation and commuting in Austin.

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2023 Bill Gill Central Texas Air Quality Leadership Award

Bill Gibbs received the 2023 Bill Gill Central Texas Air Quality Leadership Award for his distinguished work as the Execute Director of the Clean Air Force of Central Texas. A lifelong advocate of sustainability, he is committed to keeping air quality in Central Texas in compliance with EPA standards so all can enjoy healthy air. As leader of the Clean Air Force, Bill reached out to local businesses, non-profits, educational institutions, and government agencies to bring them together as advocates for reduction of air pollution. Jim Stephens, Clean Air Force's current Executive Director, accepted the award on Bill's behalf.

Movability
KXAN Rich Segal
St Edwards University
Clean Air Force
Air Central Texas