"Since I was a boy, I have experienced the importance of our state's natural resources to both Tennesseans and our state economy. I have tried to do everything I could since I've been in public service to ensure that our children and grandchildren will be able to utilize and enjoy the natural resources with which Tennessee is blessed."

Statement by Governor Ned McWherter, March 26, 1994, after receiving the prestigious Conservationist of the Year award from the Tennessee Conservation League at its 48th annual conference.

Tennessee is rich in its great diversity of natural and cultural resources. Protecting, preserving and improving the quality of Tennessee's air, land and water and conserving our natural and cultural resources is an important mission of the State of Tennessee. The "Volunteer State" is blessed with an abundance of natural and cultural resources, recreational opportunities and significant historical areas. Tennessee is committed to preserving, protecting and promoting the wise use of the bountiful resources that make this great state special.

Ensuring that environmental laws are being followed is another major emphasis. Economic growth, industrial expansion and public awareness of pollution problems have greatly increased the demand for environmental services. Regulating pollutants being released into our air, land and water and managing solid and hazardous wastes are vital to ensuring and improving environmental quality in Tennessee.

This is the first in a series of reports on the status of Tennessee's environment. Over the years, there have been many efforts attempting to define the quality of our environment; however, none of these has conveyed a complete picture of environmental quality. One of the most thoughtful and comprehensive reports on the environment is the Tennessee Conservation League's "Environmental Quality Index." Hopefully, efforts such as these will help all of us better comprehend current environmental issues.

As a people, we should have an appreciation of our environmental history to help us form judgments about present conditions, our successes and even our shortcomings. We in Tennessee are committed to protecting the environment. This document is a "work in progress" that reflects the ways in which the state approaches its charge to conserve and protect our valuable resources.