Environmental Law Institute Announces Ben Grumbles and the Environmental Council of the States as the 2025 Recipients of the Environmental Achievement Award
The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is excited to announce Ben Grumbles and the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) as the 2025 recipients of the Environmental Achievement Award. In an era of complex environmental challenges—from climate change and water scarcity to chemical safety and environmental justice—strong state leadership is more important than ever.
Ben Grumbles has been a champion of environmental protection, water policy, and collaborative governance for decades. Ben has served in key environmental leadership roles across jurisdictions and sectors, including as Maryland’s Secretary of the Environment, Arizona’s Director of Environmental Quality, Assistant Administrator for Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and President of the U.S. Water Alliance. Since assuming leadership of ECOS in 2022, he has deployed his expertise and experience to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration among state environmental agencies.
Since its creation in 1993, ECOS has supported state environmental agencies and their leaders in efforts to protect and improve human health and the environment. These agencies are uniquely positioned to integrate cutting-edge science into law and policy, foster public-private partnerships, and pilot new approaches that can serve as models for national and international action. Today, the nonprofit, nonpartisan association is a critical forum for states to collaborate, share best practices, and foster their role in environmental governance.
“States play a pivotal role in the landscape of environmental protection,” emphasized Jordan Diamond, President of ELI. “Ben Grumbles and ECOS work tirelessly to support state governments in their pursuit of a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment. We’re thrilled to recognize them for their outstanding contributions to bipartisan environmental leadership and policy.”
Given annually, ELI’s Environmental Achievement Award recognizes leaders in the field who have made notable contributions to environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability. It is officially presented at the ELI Annual Award Dinner, held in October, where environmental leaders from around the world convene to honor the awardees, build new connections, and support the work of ELI.