Press Release | December 5, 2023

SELC announces finalists for the 2024 Phil Reed Environmental Writing Award   

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.—The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) announced the finalists for the 2024 Phillip D. Reed Environmental Writing Award today. The work of this year’s finalists explores a wide array of environmental topics, ranging from environmental injustices faced by Southern communities to the challenges our region faces as it deals with the realities of climate change.

Presented each year, the Reed Award celebrates writers who achieve both literary excellence and offer extraordinary insight into the South’s natural treasures and environmental challenges.

The award recognizes writers in two categories: the Book Category for works of nonfiction (not self-published) and the Journalism Category for newspaper, magazine, and online writing published by a recognized institution such as a news organization, university, or nonprofit group. 


Book category finalists:


Journalism category finalists:


Reed Award winners are selected by a national panel of judges that includes leading environmental writers, journalists, and advocates. Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the Reed Award and honors the late Phillip D. Reed, a distinguished attorney, committed environmental activist, and a founding trustee of SELC.

This year’s winners will be announced in early February 2024. There will be an award ceremony honoring the winners held on March 22 in Charlottesville, Virginia, in conjunction with the Virginia Festival of the Book. The event will also be streamed online. 

Reed Environmental Writing Award
SELC annually presents the Reed Environmental Writing Award for outstanding writing in memory of Phillip D. Reed, a founding trustee of SELC who helped guide our organization through the early years before his untimely death in 1993. A talented attorney, committed environmental activist, and editor of the widely read Environmental Law Reporter, Phil was known for his ebullient spirit and inquiring intellect.

Are you a reporter and would like more information? Please visit our press contact page for a full list of SELC’s press contacts.

Press Contacts

Alexis Bishop

Marketing Manager

Phone: 434-977-4090
Email: [email protected]