News Release
For Immediate Release — October 20, 2009
UT Report Connects Energy Efficiency to Economic Growth
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee residents are seeing green when it comes to energy policy and growing the economy, according to a new report from the University of Tennessee.
“The Business of Southern Energy: Making Choices for Your Community" summarizes information the University of Tennessee collected during community forums in early 2009. About 130 Tennesseans, including researchers and farmers, participated in the forums and discussed how to capitalize on energy-related opportunities, build a green economy and encourage local energy savings.
The report details key themes from the forums that include connecting energy efficiency to economic and environmental sustainability, preparing Tennessee’s workforce for emerging occupations, and realizing savings through conservation. It is available online at trend.ag.utk.edu and www.ips.tennessee.edu/economicdevelopment.
“Overall, Tennesseans have a general sense of what should be done to capitalize on the economic opportunities associated with energy,” said Michael D. Wilcox Jr., assistant professor of agricultural economics. “The forum participants agreed that a comprehensive approach to energy policy, guided by stakeholder input, will ensure Tennessee remains on the forefront of the emerging green economy.”
Each year, the Southern Growth Policies Board (SGPB) engages communities throughout the South in discussions on issues related to economic development. This year, the conversations centered on energy-related economic development, from bioenergy to sustainable design to green collar job development. Forums were held in Memphis, Martin, Jackson, Murfreesboro, Crossville and Blountville in partnership with the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service (IPS); UT Extension, a unit of the UT Institute of Agriculture; and state, regional and local partners.
"The university has a responsibility to research and develop sustainable energy sources, then use those new energy technologies for economic benefit," said Mary Jinks, UT vice president of public service. "Forum participants across the state reiterated the ideas of using energy-related opportunities to attract and grow new business, strengthen our competitive advantage, and prepare workers for the green jobs of the future."
Dr. Tim Cross, dean of UT Extension, reiterated Extension’s role in the effort. “Historically UT Extension is seen as a driving force in agricultural education and outreach, but we serve a broader clientele. Our role in workforce education and rural economic development will be crucial to supporting new energy-based business opportunities across the state,” he said.
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Contacts:
Michael D. Wilcox Jr., Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, 865-974-7410, mwilcox2@utk.edu
Andre Temple, UT IPS, 731-881-3077, andre.temple@tennessee.edu
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