47.8 F
Clarksville
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeOpinionA state energy policy for Tennessee

A state energy policy for Tennessee

A CDE electric meterAs a Tennessean, I’m very proud that Governor Bredesen has committed to signing an executive order to develop a comprehensive state energy policy.  The Tennessee Environmental Council, Solar Valley CoalitionTennessee Sierra Club, Cumberland Sustainable and other environmental groups have been requesting a plan for Tennessee that will seriously addresses curtailing greenhouse gases, setting emissions standards, and funding renewable energy initiatives.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (aceee.org) ranks TN as 43rd of 50 states based on their energy policy.   Energy efficiency is our easiest, cleanest, and cheapest energy resource and it will be a great economic stimulus far surpassing our recent tax rebates or other temporary fixes.

 Many Tennesseans are aware that over 60% of our energy comes from an extreme pollution-producing source – Coal. Although it is a good marketing scheme, there is no ‘Clean Coal’ – only less dirty forms.

State energy policies are very important since the U.S. has not enacted national policies nor supported international treaties. It is critical that our plan include concrete targets for energy efficiency, implementation of renewable energy sources, economic incentives and penalties, and consumer education. Let our governor and other representative know that this is an important issue to you and that we want progressive targets.

Email: Governor Phil Bredesen  & Ryan Gooch, State Energy Policy Director

Beth Robinson
Beth Robinson
Tennessee native. Computer Systems Analyst - 30+ year career in computer industry. B.S. Computer Science, 1983 TTU. M.A. Instructional Technology, 1999 APSU. She is a member of the Friends of Dunbar Cave,  Tennessee Tree Steward,  The Climate Project, Audubon,  Sierra Club, World Wildlife Fund, League of Conservation Voters, an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clarksville (UUFC), UU Service Committee, and UUFC Social Action chairperson / Green Sanctuary chairperson / Youth group advisor.
RELATED ARTICLES

Latest Articles