MDE Secretary Grumbles Honored for Environmental Work
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MDE Secretary Grumbles Honored for Environmental Work
Secretary Ben Grumbles receives 2015 William K. Reilly Environmental Leadership award from American University’s Center for Environmental Policy
Baltimore, MD (March 27, 2015) – MDE Secretary Ben Grumbles has been named a winner of the 2015 William K. Reilly Environmental Leadership Award, presented by the American University School of Public Affairs’ Center for Environmental Policy.
The William K. Reilly awards recognize individuals in environmental careers in the public and non-profit/private sectors who demonstrate qualities of leadership, innovation, engagement of diverse interests, effective problem solving and contributions to future generations of environmental leaders. The awards were presented at a ceremony last night at American University.
“I congratulate Ben on this well-deserved honor,” said Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. “Ben’s commitment to environmental collaboration and innovation will serve Maryland well and will certainly boost our important work to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay.”
“I’m honored to receive this environmental award and thankful for the many opportunities I’ve been given over the years to help great leaders find bipartisan, lasting solutions,” Secretary Grumbles said.
In announcing the award, the Center for Environmental Policy pointed to Secretary Grumbles’ “long and distinguished career in water and environmental policy, serving the public and teaching law students and environmental professionals for more than 25 years.” The Center noted that, prior to being appointed Secretary of the Environment in Maryland, he served as President of the U.S. Water Alliance, a not-for-profit educational organization committed to uniting people and policies for water sustainability throughout the country. Previously, he led Arizona’s Department of Environmental Quality, working on air quality and climate change, energy policy and waste management, water efficiency and wastewater recycling. Secretary Grumbles served as Assistant Administrator for Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from 2004 through 2008, during which he launched EPA’s water efficiency labeling program, WaterSense, and initiatives on green infrastructure, water and climate change and pharmaceuticals.
Secretary Grumbles is one of two recipients of the 2015 William K. Reilly Environmental Leadership Award. The other winner is Fred Krupp, President of the Environmental Defense Fund.
Secretary Grumbles was nominated for his position in January by Governor Hogan. The Maryland State Senate voted to confirm his appointment on March 6 and he took the oath of office on March 13.
Secretary Grumbles, 54, has a master’s degree in environmental law from George Washington University, a J.D. from Emory University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University. He has lived in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, with his wife and two children, over the last 30 years and now lives in Baltimore.
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