RESTON, Va. — The National Wildlife Federation honored conservation champion and Massachusetts resident Pete Pedersen this week as its Volunteer of the Year. Pedersen was recognized for his commitment to combating climate change and protecting public lands, water and public health as board chair for the Environmental League of Massachusetts.

“Pete’s unwavering support for both our Federation and environment is truly inspiring,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Pete lives out our conservation mission each and every day and works tirelessly to ensure that renewable energy development and investment is prioritized as a critical part of a clean energy future. The National Wildlife Federation is proud to honor his commitment to environmental education, advocacy and stewardship and to building strong, powerful partnerships for the betterment of our planet.”

“For many decades, I have worked to remediate and restore contaminated lands and position them for a contemporary use. In recent years, I have aimed to show that clean energy development benefits our economy as well as our environment,” Pedersen said. “I am honored to collaborate with the National Wildlife Federation in this fight to protect our natural resources.”

Pedersen, who joined the Environmental League of Massachusetts about a decade ago, works hands on with every committee and attends almost all of the League’s events, lending ample energy, expertise, credibility and support. He also serves on the board of directors for the Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund, working closely with the National Wildlife Federation’s Anglers for Offshore Wind Power project and the League’s partnerships with the Federation. Pedersen is a longtime brownfield and renewable energy developer, focusing in more recent years on bringing solar power to brownfields. He is also co-founder of Renova Partners LLC, a brownfields redeveloper, and Brightfields Development LLC, a solar energy company. He has taught an undergraduate sustainable finance course at Babson College for the last several years, as well. As an attorney and businessman, he has worked to ensure that the best possible outcomes for the environment are achieved.

The National Conservation Affiliate Volunteer of the Year Award honors outstanding National Wildlife Federation volunteers who give their time, talents and service to support the mission of the Federation and its affiliates to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world. Awardees were announced during the National Wildlife Federation’s annual meeting and 84th anniversary celebration, which was held for the first time as a virtual event this year.

The National Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Awards began in 1966. Since then, the Federation has celebrated individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting wildlife through education, advocacy, communication and on-the-ground conservation. Previous honorees have included former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson and Michelle Obama and other national leaders, including U.S. Sen. John McCain and filmmaker Robert Redford.