Commissioner J.W. Luna and son, Sam

Under Governor McWherter's leadership, Tennessee has made progressive strides toward achieving its goal to enhance environmental protection, preserve our state's natural resources and prevent pollution in the future.

To fully focus on environmental issues, the governor combined the environmental regulatory programs with the traditional conservation programs to form the Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Since the creation of the TDEC in 1991, we have been able to work more effectively, not only in protecting the environment through regulation of business and industry, but also in conserving and protecting this state's natural and cultural resources.

Also in 1991, departmental leaders pulled together two unique coalitions of business, environmentalists and local governments who worked with the General Assembly to pass two landmark pieces of legislation -- the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) Act and the Solid Waste Management Act.

The EPF Act established a dedicated fund paid for by various environmental regulatory fees. These new resources will enable us to add over 300 new environmental employees by 1995 as well as help us retain our experienced, trained staff. Because of this act, we now have the staff and resources to issue better permits more quickly; to make more timely inspections; and to take faster, stronger enforcement actions against violators.

The Solid Waste Management Act is the first-ever comprehensive solid waste plan for Tennessee. It is the result of a two-year planning effort by state and local governments, environmental advocacy groups and private industry. This law sets a goal to reduce landfilled waste by 25 percent by 1996 and encourages recycling and composting as essential practices to improve the quality of our environment. Grants, services and technical assistance are provided to local governments from a dedicated fund largely paid for by a surcharge on the waste we send to our landfills and our purchase of new tires.

Reducing waste and preventing pollution are key elements to protecting our environment. The Hazardous Waste Reduction Act of 1990 created a a program which requires industries to produce a plan to review their business practices and processes and to reach a 25 percent reduction goal by 1995. Today, I'm proud to say that Tennessee companies have already voluntarily exceeded that goal.

The General Assembly also passed the State and Local Parks and Recreation Partnership Act of 1991. This law enables state and local governments to buy and develop land for parks and wetlands. It also generates money for nonpoint source water pollution projects.

Four of our state resort parks will benefit from a $31.9 million bond issue approved by the General Assembly in 1994 to renovate and expand facilities to accommodate an ever-growing demand for services. Expansions of conference and meeting space, guest rooms and restaurant facilities will enable Fall Creek Falls, Montgomery Bell, Natchez Trace and Paris Landing State Parks to serve the needs of more visitors who come to enjoy the natural beauty and wonders offered through the Tennessee state park system.

A Superfund bill passed by the General Assembly in 1994 provides $3 million over the next three years to be paid by industries that generate hazardous waste and assures an annual state appropriation of $1 million. It also allows for voluntary cleanup of old sites and allows industries to spend more of their money on actual cleanups. This new law will enable us to clean up abandoned hazardous waste sites more quickly.

A new spirit of cooperation among environmentalists, business and government has put Tennessee in a position to do more for improving and protecting the environment than ever before. I believe it is this continued partnership that will challenge us to work harder to protect and conserve Tennessee's natural resources for our children and grandchildren while we continue to enjoy the advantages of a healthy economy.

J. W. Luna, Commissioner
Tennessee Department of Environment
and Conservation