DES MOINES, Iowa — Gov. Chet Culver handed out awards Wednesday to 15 Iowa firms  and entities — including Muscatine Power and Water — that have shown environmental leadership with their practices.

The Governor’s Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards go to companies and organizations that that have gone “above and beyond” to protect the environment.

“These award winners have proven that the economy and the environment can go hand in hand, and that the opportunities for our state are only enhanced, not limited, when we consider natural resources in our decisions,” Culver said.

A panel of 24 judges considered close to 40 applications for the awards. Culver said the winners are sending a message that smart, green growth will benefit Iowa’s economy.

Muscatine Power and Water was given special recognition in waste management. The company has been able to give away or sell the products of coal combustion. The products can be used in blasting grit, roofing shingles, cement and concrete manufacturing and on road traction improvement in the winter. A total of 86 percent of the products are used, saving close to 60,000 cubic yards of landfill space every year.

Other award winners were :

 Waste Commission of Scott County — environmental excellence. Waste Commission of Scott County, environmental excellence. The commission made many environmental improvements, including a new landfill, compost facility and recycling facility. 

MidAmerican Energy Co., environmental excellence. The company has invested $2.2 billion in more than 800 wind turbines in Iowa. 

Buffalo Bill Museum River Pilots’ Pier in

LeClaire, special recognition in energy efficiency/renewable energy. The museum built an energy efficient structure to house its 19th century steamboat, resulting in significant savings.

n Arnold’s Body Shop, Inc., Davenport, special recognition in air quality. The shop became the first Iowa-based body shop to switch from solvent-based coatings to water-borne base coatings, reducing hazardous materials in paints by more than 91 percent.

 Curries Division of AADG, Inc., in Mason City, special recognition in energy efficiency/renewable energy. The company worked to reduce the energy used to dry door skins after they are washed. 

City of North Liberty, special recognition in water quality. The city, along with FOX Engineering Associates Inc. and Shive-Hattery Inc., developed an innovative wastewater treatment facility that uses Membrane Bioreactor technology. 

Holiday Lake Owners’ Association, Inc., Brooklyn. The association formed a water quality committee to address algae growth in the lake. 

Recycling and Reuse Technology Transfer Center, Cedar Falls, special recognition in environmental education. The center started the “Get Your Green On” program at Lincoln Elementary in Cedar Falls, the only one of its kind in Iowa.

Alliant Energy, Cedar Rapids, special recognition in environmental education. The company uses environmental education programs  to stress safety and conservation and to educate on environmental or energy topics.

Alliant Energy, Cedar Rapids, disaster recovery special project award. After floods ravaged the city in 2008, Alliant offered a 50 percent increase on rebates when flood-affected customers purchased energy efficient equipment. Alliant also provided 10,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs to help customers save money on their electric bills.