Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has issued a proclamation recognizing this week—September 20-24, 202—as Clean Energy Week in the state in conjunction with the fifth annual National Clean Energy Week (NCEW).

Last year, Governor Lee, along with more than half of the nation’s governors, signed proclamations officially recognizing Clean Energy Weeks in their respective states. In his 2021 proclamation, the Governor cites that more than 72,000 people are employed by Tennessee’s clean energy sector and that in 2019, the state’s two nuclear power plants provided 44 percent of in-state electricity.

“Thank you, Governor Lee for recognizing the important role that clean energy plays in addressing Tennessee’s economic and energy needs through your Clean Energy Week proclamation,” said Heather Reams, chair of NCEW and executive director of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES). “Today, 85 percent of greenhouse gas emissions are created outside of the United States. This means that U.S. energy and climate policy must foster innovation and commercialization pathways that work as well for Tennessee as they do for India. The fifth annual NCEW and the Policy Makers Symposium will provide a bipartisan platform to learn more about what is ahead for clean energy and build the necessary bridges between policy, finance, and innovation to make strides in this critical area.”

“Tennessee believes in clean, affordable, and readily abundant forms of energy for all,” said Governor Lee in his proclamation. “The Tennessee Valley Authority’s Watts Bar 2 generating plant, which began commercial operations in October 2016, is the nation’s first new nuclear power reactor to enter service in the 21^st century.”

Founded in 2017, NCEW brings together government officials, industry associations, businesses, non-profits, and advocates in the clean energy space for events in Washington, D.C., and across America. The weeklong recognition honors the clean energy sector’s contributions to America’s economic strength while reducing global emissions. Among the unique programming offered throughout the week, the NCEW Policy Makers Symposium will convene lawmakers, energy advocates, and private sector leaders for enlightening and influential clean energy and climate policy discussions.

Additional information about NCEW—including sponsorship opportunities, in-person events, examples of how businesses and communities can show their support, and registration for the Policy Makers Symposium—is available at https://nationalcleanenergyweek.org/.

###

National Clean Energy Week (NCEW), described by POLITICO as “a veritable who’s who of the Clean Energy World,” is an annual awareness week to recognize the value of clean energy including abundant job opportunities, economic growth, energy independence, consumer choice, lower energy prices, and a cleaner environment. Follow NCEW on Twitter (@NCEWConf) and Facebook (NationalCleanEnergyWeek) for event updates. www.nationalcleanenergyweek.org