Ben Grillot is a senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center. Through litigating cases challenging federal grant terminations, Grillot finds meaning in the SELC purpose and pace. For 11 years prior to SELC, he worked for the U.S. Department of Justice, litigating Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act cases.  

“I love SELC’s mission – working to advocate on behalf of communities across the South, using my litigation skills to affect change,” he said. “The federal response work has been thrilling to engage in – fast-paced, highly important work challenging unlawful freezes and terminations of important grant funding across our region. I am also excited about the incredible work SELC does on clean air and clean water issues throughout the south.” 

Now based in Washington, D.C., Grillot grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and went camping and hiking in the Smoky Mountains, “which hold a dear place in my heart,” he said. His memories range from the spectacular views from Mount LeConte in Tennessee and swimming in the Little Pigeon River to blooming rhododendron on the Ramsey Cascades Trail.