Department of Environment & Conservation
Jim Fyke, Commissioner
Water Pollution Control Division Director Paul Davis along State Route 28 in Cumberland County marking entrance to the Sequatchie River Watershed.
Environment and Conservation is building seven new cabin-homes at David Crockett State Park that will be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building techniques. These green cabins will demonstrate techniques to address pollution prevention, stormwater management and energy conservation practices. Park visitors will be able to enjoy the park, learn from the cabins and take green ideas home with them. |
October 15, 2008
Dear Friend,
Tennessee is blessed with 60,000 miles of rivers and streams that represent some of the nation’s most outstanding waters. Our department is continually working with communities across Tennessee’s 55 different watersheds so people are better able to understand the physical condition of rivers and streams in their neighborhoods. Visit our Web site’s watershed section to see how watersheds are organized and ways for individuals to participate in watershed management activities. We are pleased to have a growing number of local watershed groups join us in protecting water quality through outreach activities like stream clean-ups and streambank restoration efforts.
Higher prices at the gas pump and higher electricity bills have reminded us that the least expensive new source of energy is the additional power we make available through conservation. October is Energy Awareness Month, and our department has joined Governor Bredesen and other state agencies in identifying ways to reduce energy consumption in our operations. Along with installation of more efficient heating and cooling systems and changing to compact fluorescent light bulbs, we are building the first U.S. Green Building Council LEED silver certified cabins in the region at David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg. These new, energy saving cabins will be attractive and comfortable for guests while also serving as a model for efficient design and cost-saving operation.
There are also plenty of opportunities for individuals and families to save time, energy and money. Choosing ENERGY STAR qualified lighting for the home is one simple way. For household power conservation, the Energy Star label is an important identifier to look for when we buy new appliances. Products with this label will consume between 13 percent and 40 percent less energy than conventional appliances. Last year alone, Energy Star helped Americans save more than $15 billion in energy costs. Using Energy Star qualified products, from compact fluorescent light bulbs to energy efficient water heaters, the average household can save about 30 percent in utility bills – that's about $450 per year. Visit www.energystar.gov to see how more manufacturers are producing a wider range of appliances with greater energy efficiency.
I am encouraged by the growing number of people looking for practical steps that enable them to lessen their impact on the environment. I appreciate the many ways our staff reaches out to provide important conservation information to Tennessee communities. Working together we are creating know-how that helps communities today and protects our natural resources for future generations.
Jim Fyke, Commissioner
