Tennessee’s governor pushing new energy legislation

In Tennessee, Governor Phil Bredesen is ready to unveil new energy efficiency legislation, following a report submitted by a 16-member state task force that recommended tougher energy standards for state buildings and vehicles.

The governor signed an executive order mandating that the state purchase only Energy Star-rate products for office equipment, lighting and other materials. The governor has also strongly promoted efforts to develop biofuels from switchgrass, granting $70 million to the University of Tennessee for a biofuels plant it is developing in partnership with DuPont Danisco.

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