Tennessee’s environment has improved significantly over the past 25 years. Since the first Earth Day in 1970, great strides have been made toward cleaner air, water and land. Motorists no longer need to use their lights in mid-day because of coal smoke and other emissions. Trout fishermen once again enjoy the Watauga River in Elizabethton. Children now play in Chattanooga’s Montague Park, an area once plagued with toxic wastes.

Over the past two and a half decades, numerous laws and regulations have been made that prescribe the way government manages environmental protection. Each year, both government and industry spend a considerable portion of their budgets to comply with th ese laws and regulations. Although some of these mandates have contributed significantly to protecting our environment, others have had little impact on environmental quality.

Tennessee’s environmental regulatory system should be judged, not by the amount of money spent or the number of laws created, but by the amount of protection afforded. So that our citizens and businesses are not unduly burdened, it is important that we e valuate ways to get the highest possible return on our environmental protection investments.

It is my goal as Commissioner of the Department of Environment and Conservation to take a common-sense approach to our regulatory responsibilities, highlighted by less paperwork and greater cooperation among government, business, environmental organizatio ns and the public.

We extend our hand to all Tennesseans in a spirit of partnership and cooperation to find ways we can all work toward our common goal of clean air, water and land in concert with sustainable economic growth.

The State of the Environment Report will be the foundation for measuring improvements in environmental quality. By examining how far we have come in the past 25 years, clearly identifying the goals we wish to attain and developing ways to chart our progr ess, we will continue to protect and conserve Tennessee’s natural resources.