The Environmental Excellence Award is presented annually to a railroader whose work in environmental, sustainability, or safety functions “has significantly improved environmental performance,” the AAR noted. “This year’s awardee and nominees include employees whose work strengthens environmental performance and demonstrates the industry’s continued commitment to responsible operations.”
Environmental Excellence Award Winner – Mike Makerov (UP)
Mike Makerov, Senior Manager of Environmental Remediation at UP, brings more than 25 years of environmental experience, including roles as an agency case manager, consultant, and remediation leader for two Class I railroads. He oversees more than 100 remediation projects across California and is widely recognized for navigating some of the nation’s most complex regulatory landscapes.
Makerov’s leadership was central to a major Northern California cleanup that required extensive agency coordination, public engagement, and the use of a Unified Command structure—an uncommon but highly effective approach for long-term remediation. The project involved excavating 170,000 tons of contaminated soil, removing concrete retaining walls, installing in-river barriers in a high-flow trout stream, and operating an on-site wastewater treatment plant. His work accelerated cleanup timelines, strengthened stakeholder collaboration, and avoided more than $10 million in unnecessary costs.
Beyond this project, Makerov has also championed nature-based treatment systems to address groundwater contamination near drinking water sources.
Environmental Excellence Award Nominee – Kari Harris (CN)
Kari Harris brings more than 30 years of environmental experience, managing more than 50 projects across the U.S. and Canada and contributing to CN’s Biodiversity Program.
Environmental Excellence Award Nominee – Brian Booth (CSX)
Brian Booth oversees environmental compliance across four states, including major treatment facilities, and has helped CSX earn more than 10 consecutive JEA Environmental Stewardship Awards.
Environmental Excellence Award Nominee – Terri Allen (NS)
Terri Allen leads NS’s water and EPCRA compliance programs, modernizing stormwater and wastewater systems and supporting broader sustainability initiatives.
The railroad industry, the AAR says, “remains committed to improving environmental performance, reflected in the achievements of this year’s honorees and nominees and their ongoing efforts to support sustainable operations across the communities’ freight rail serves. Railroads continue to deploy new technologies, refine operations, and work across the supply chain to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” According to the AAR, all North American Class I railroads now have approved Science Based Targets initiative goals, underscoring strong climate commitments. “Collectively, these actions ensure railroads continue to drive meaningful environmental progress in the communities they serve.”
