Press Releases
Bredesen Makes Available $3.5 Million For Three Alternative Fuels Grant And Loan Programs
Governor Phil Bredesen made $3.5 million in grants and loans available today to increase the accessibility, development and production of biofuels in Tennessee. Bredesen announced the opening of the application processes on Wednesday in remarks previewing a comprehensive alternative fuels strategy to be proposed in his 2007-2008 budget. "I believe we're at a critical point in which Tennessee can be a national leader in the development of the alternative fuels market," said Bredesen. "It's a smart energy strategy, a smart economic strategy and a smart environmental strategy. Most importantly, it helps create new markets and new opportunities for Tennessee farmers." (October 20, 2006)
Bredesen Announces Next Steps In Tennessee's Alternative Fuels Strategy
Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that his proposed 2007-2008 budget will include $61 million for a comprehensive alternative fuels strategy to position Tennessee to be a national leader in the production of biomass ethanol and related research. Combined with $11.6 million in existing funding for an ongoing related project at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the Governor's proposal represents a $72.6 million comprehensive plan. (January 31, 2007)
Bredesen Unveils Specifics of Alternative Fuels Initiative
Governor Phil Bredesen announced specifics of Tennessee’s alternative
fuels initiative to increase production and use of cleaner renewable energy
resources. Bredesen has accepted a series of recommendations made by the
Alternative Fuels Working Group, which he created by executive order in
February 2006, to develop a comprehensive alternative fuels strategy for
Tennessee. The working group includes representatives from six state agencies,
including the Departments of Agriculture, Economic and Community Development,
Environment and Conservation, General Services, Health and Transportation.
(October 20, 2006)
Governor Bredesen Signs Executive Order Creating Alternative Fuels Working Group
Governor Phil Bredesen signed an Executive Order...establishing the Governor's Interagency Alternative Fuels Working Group to develop a comprehensive state alternative fuels strategy for Tennessee. "This is just the first of many steps we want to take to increase Tennessee's use of renewable alternative fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol," said Bredesen. "Increasing our use of cleaner, renewable energy resources will promote cleaner air and better health for our citizens and create additional economic opportunities for Tennessee farmers. Increased production of biofuels also has the potential to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and increase our ability to withstand future supply disruptions and spikes in fuel prices." (February 15, 2006)
Panther Creek State Park First In The Tennessee State Parks System To Use Biodiesel Fuel
Panther Creek State Park is the first in the Tennessee State Parks system to buy biodiesel fuel for use in its diesel vehicles. Panther Creek currently operates six diesel vehicles, including mowers, a Bobcat, a tractor and a dump truck. "The use of alternative fuels is one of the things we're doing to be good stewards of our natural environment," said park manager John LeCroy. "We have taken other measures as well, such as installing timers on lights, to increase our energy efficiency for environmental and financial benefits." (June 23, 2005)
