Governor Phil Bredesen recently signed an Executive Order establishing the Governor’s Task Force on Energy Policy. The Task Force is charged with developing a state energy plan to help state government lead by example.
Additionally, the group is charged with making recommendations to help Tennessee become a leader in energy efficiency and conservation, use of alternative fuels and renewable energy sources, and the development of clean-energy technology. Signed in March 2008, the Executive Order outlines four key goals and objectives:
- 1. Opportunities for state government to lead by example in energy efficiency and conservation, with an emphasis on building construction and management and vehicle fleet management;
- 2. Prospective policies, legislation, regulations or incentives to encourage statewide energy efficiency and conservation in the public and private sectors;
- 3. Possible public-private partnerships and collaborations to encourage research and development of clean-energy technology and increase economic development potential in the state’s energy sector; and
- 4. Strategies for expanding the use of alternative fuels and renewable energy sources to support the sustainability of Tennessee’s environment.
The task force includes representatives of four state agencies, including the commissioners of the Departments of Economic and Community Development, Environment and Conservation, Finance and Administration, and General Services or their designees, and a dozen additional members representing business, environmental, legislative and other interests.