In a new episode of the People Places Planet podcast, the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) speaks with ECOS Executive Director Ben Grumbles, President James Kenney of New Mexico, Vice President Chris Wells of Mississippi, and Secretary-Treasurer Leah Feldon of Oregon. The conversation marks the recognition of ECOS and Ben as the recipients of ELI’s 2025 Environmental Achievement Award, honoring their commitment to bipartisan collaboration and science-based environmental governance.
In the podcast, ECOS leaders explore how states are leading the way on today’s most pressing challenges – from ensuring safe drinking water and cleaning up Superfund sites to advancing policy on PFAS and wildfire impacts. The discussion examines what’s at stake when federal funding for state environmental programs falls short, why strong federal-state partnerships are essential for local economies, the risks of underfunding science at EPA, and how states are working to balance efficiency with integrity when it comes to permitting. The episode celebrates ECOS’ leadership in strengthening cooperative federalism, fostering innovative solutions, and providing stability across administrations, while also offering insights into the future of environmental protection nationwide.
