Rhode Island Speaker Shekarchi Honored Globally for Water Quality Leadership

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi received the Public Officials Award from the Water Environment Federation.

The organization recognized Shekarchi for his leadership and support in protecting water quality. He was one of three public officials globally to receive this award in 2025.

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The Rhode Island Clean Water Association nominated Shekarchi for the honor. The RICWA presented the award at its Clean Water Legislative Summit. This annual event has been held at the State House since 2019 at Speaker Shekarchi’s invitation.

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Nora Lough, President of RICWA, spoke about Speaker Shekarchi's commitment.

"Speaker Shekarchi has a been a longtime supporter of the Rhode Island Clean Water Association, and of Rhode Island’s environment, waterways and public health," Lough said in a media release.

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"He is recognized for his leadership, good stewardship and as a supporter of sound legislation to improve our waterways, as well as bills on PFAS, biosolids and funding infrastructure," Lough said.

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RICWA praised Shekarchi’s environmental commitment in its nomination. The association noted he received its Clean Water Legislator of the Year award in 2022. This was for his role in passing the Act on Climate.

The Rhode Island Clean Water Association, established in 1952, promotes knowledge about wastewater management.

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