Idaho GEMStars logo

In September of 1999, Governor Dirk Kempthorne introduced Idaho GEMStars, a statewide pollution prevention (P2) excellence and recognition program. This program provides pollution prevention education and public recognition to businesses, agricultural operations, governmental agencies, school districts and others. P2 means reducing or eliminating pollution at the source so that it never enters the environment. This program's success relies heavily on the participation of entities that are concerned for Idaho's environment.

Who Created This Program?

The Governor's Pollution Prevention Advisory Committee created Idaho GEMStars on behalf of Idaho's citizens, workers, and environment. This committee represents a melting pot of Idaho businesses, government agencies, community organizations, and others. The Program Director keeps the committee informed on Idaho GEMStars accomplishments, networks with committee members, and turns to them for guidance.

Who Should Participate?

Any entity, whether subject to regulations or not, who is willing to implement pollution prevention measures and be a role model for Idaho is encouraged to apply for this program.

View a List of Participants to date and see what activities they implemented to get GEMStars recognition.

What Are the Steps to Idaho GEMStars Membership?

Idaho GEMStars is a three tier program: Initial, Middle, and Highest.

Photo of Governor Kempthorne and Colonel Larry Butler Initial Tier

Initial Tier members must implement basic pollution prevention initiatives, practices and /or activities beyond regulatory compliance. To qualify for membership, businesses and others must meet 12 of 19 Initial Tier Criteria.

To Apply for Initial Tier Membership:
Download and complete the
 Application for Initial Tier   

If you prefer, you may request an application be mailed to you.

When finished, either E-mail to gemstars@idahogemstars.org 
   OR
        Mail to:
        Idaho GEMStars
        720 Park Blvd, Suite 255
        Boise, ID  83712

Finally, three members of the Coordinating Committee, which approves membership in the Idaho GEMStars program, will review your completed application.

Middle Tier

(Initial Tier membership must be obtained before participating in the Middle Tier)

Middle Tier members must implement "Best P2 Practices." The Middle Tier is divided into two categories:

1. Industry Sector Participants -- Participants that belong to an industry sector are required to implement sector-specific "Best P2 Practices" in order to obtain membership. Best P2 Practices are otherwise known as best management practices (BMP), best-applied practices (BAP), or best-applied technologies (BAT).

2. Non Sector Participants -- Participants that do not belong to an industry sector are required to implement the Middle Tier Criteria in order to obtain membership.

Highest Tier

(Middle Tier membership must be obtained before participating in the Highest Tier)

Highest Tier members must be nominated by their sector-specific peers, display leadership in pollution prevention, promote pollution prevention, and mentor others in the state. Exclusively the governor of Idaho grants membership into the Highest Tier.

 

What Are the Benefits of Being a GEMStars Member?

As a member of Idaho GEMStars, your entity will receive a plaque and a certificate signed by the governor and other benefits.

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