State of Tennessee Archives: on Energy & Oil
Bill Hagerty:
Fight socialist fracking bans, repeal fuel standards
Bill will do everything in his power to stop the Green New Deal and fight socialist attempts to ban fracking. He will support the exploration and development of fossil fuels.
Bill will work to repeal renewable fuels standards and scale back excessive environmental regulations on the development of new resources.
Source: 2020 Tennessee Senate campaign website TeamHagerty.com
Dec 24, 2019
Bill Lee:
Nuclear power is clean energy that actually works
Recently, I visited the TVA's Watts Bar nuclear facility, the last nuclear facility to be built in America, to see firsthand how nuclear power keeps our grid dependable even when the weather is not. Nuclear power is clean energy that actually works
for the private sector. Not only is it clean, but it is also cheap to produce. If we're going to have a real conversation about energy in America, it needs to be safe, cheap to produce, and reliable.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Jan 31, 2022
Bob Corker:
Promote fuel cells & alternatives to reduce oil dependence
In order to keep our Tennessee economy growing, we need to: - Decrease our dependence on foreign oil.
- Make health care more affordable, accessible, and portable.
Action Plan for the Future: As our next United States Senator,
Bob Corker will work to: - Promote fuel cells, alternative fuels such as ethanol and bio diesel, and clean coal.
- Promote the individual deductibility of health costs.
- Promote Health Savings Accounts.
Source: Campaign materials, “Blueprint for Tennessee”
Oct 1, 2006
Diane Black:
Rejects Paris climate change agreement
"I applaud President Trump's decisive action to reject the Paris climate change agreement, which was a bad deal for American families and businesses. Yet again, President Obama gave away the farm for a photo-op with
Europe's most liberal leaders, signing a terrible agreement where most of the costs fell to the U.S. It's past time for an America-first energy policy to strengthen our security and grow our vibrant energy economy."
Source: 2018 Tennessee Gubernatorial website black.house.gov
Aug 31, 2017
Gordon Ball:
Supports construction of the Keystone pipeline
They differ on two issues that Adams has tried to underscore--Ball's support for the construction of the Keystone pipeline and his proposal for a flat tax that
Ball says would simplify and streamline the tax code and that Adams says would raise taxes for working people and the middle class and lower them for "millionaires like himself."
Source: Memphis Flyer on 2014 Tennessee Senate race
Aug 6, 2014
Gordon Ball:
Transition from dirty fossil fuels to clean renewables
The choice is simple. Will we continue to subsidize dirty fossil fuels, or will we transition to 21st century clean, renewable energy? If we invest now in a 21st century energy system, we can lower the costs of production for all of our businesses. We
know that we can generate power with alternative energy sources--wind, solar, and hydro-power--and that we can make energy usage far more efficient. We must commit ourselves to clean energy and energy efficiency now.The energy challenges facing Americ
are so critical that a concentrated investment in energy research and development should be undertaken. We send well over a billion dollars every day out of our country to buy oil and energy from other countries. I agree with experts who have proposed
that we create a new "Manhattan Project" or Apollo-type initiative on energy to initiate breakthroughs in energy technology. Moving away from an oil economy and finding a real solution to our energy crisis will require a sustained commitment by America.
Source: 2014 Tennessee Senate campaign website, GordonBallSenate.com
Aug 7, 2014
Gordon Ball:
Commercial solar & wind, and also clean coal
My own analysis of dozens of other energy plans proposed over the past five years guides me to propose a ten-year national energy plan to:- push the next generation of bio-fuels
- create a domestic bio-fuels
industry through advances in biotechnology and cellulose-to-ethanol conversion
- advance commercialization of plug-in hybrids
- advance and promote development of commercial-scale renewable energy and technologies such as solar and wind
- invest in low-emission coal plants
- begin the transition to a digital electricity grid
- develop hydrogen fuel cells
- promote "green" buildings
- construct high-speed rail
- substitute part of the saved gas for oil or convert it to hydrogen
Source: 2014 Tennessee Senate campaign website, GordonBallSenate.com
Aug 7, 2014
Jason Martin:
Make sure our state is at the forefront of green technology
Tennessee is the most beautiful state in the nation, and we need to make sure that future generations can enjoy the outdoors as we have, while we protect our environment. Our timber industry and other businesses are looking for responsible environmental
policies. That means focusing on conservation and growing an economy that reflects environmental stewardship. That economy is also where we can be leaders, and make sure that our state is at the forefront of green technology.
Source: 2022 Tennessee Governor campaign website MartinForTN.com
Aug 7, 2022
JB Smiley:
Opposed pipeline threatening local aquifer, neighborhoods
In a resolution sponsored by Councilmen Dr. Jeff Warren, Edmund Ford, Sr., and JB Smiley, Jr., the Memphis City Council made their sentiments known by publicly opposing the pipeline and unanimously voting in favor of the resolution.
The resolution acknowledges the threat of the pipeline to the aquifer and that its placement in a predominantly African American community further impacts neighborhoods that have been disproportionately impacted by industrial development.
Source: ABC24 News on 2022 Tennessee Gubernatorial race
Mar 17, 2021
Karl Dean:
Pledged to work toward reducing greenhouse gases
Q: Consider climate change a serious crisis?Karl Dean (D): Yes. Signed US Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement, pledging to work toward reducing greenhouse gases.
Bill Lee (R): Unknown.
Q: Climate Change:
Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases? Support US participation in Paris Climate Accord despite President Trump's withdrawal? Support participation in interstate initiatives to limit levels of greenhouse gases?
Karl Dean (D): Yes.
Supported national emission trading system through Climate Protection Agreement. Worked to lower Nashville's greenhouse gases as Mayor. "We can be pro- business and pro-environment...[will] work with businesses to reduce their carbon footprint."
Bill Lee (R): Unknown.
Q: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?
Karl Dean (D): Yes. "We need to focus more on incentivizing the use of solar."
Bill Lee (R): Unknown.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Tennessee Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Marquita Bradshaw:
First Senate candidate in TN to sign Green New Deal Pledge
I Support the Green New Deal. ?I was the first candidate running for the United States Senate in TN to sign the Green New Deal Pledge. Our current leadership has failed Tennessee and has sought to turn Tennessee into a landfill for nuclear waste.
I am proud to stand as someone who sees the unending benefits of this deal, not only for our Planet's health but for the future of our state's economy. Tennessee has an opportunity to invest heavily in new jobs, infrastructure, and more with this deal.
Source: 2020 Tennessee Senate campaign website MarquitaBradshaw.com
Aug 26, 2020
Marsha Blackburn:
Climate change isn't settled; withdraw from Paris Accord
Q: Consider climate change a critical threat? Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?Marsha Blackburn (R): No. "The science around it is not a settled science." Applauded withdrawal from Paris Climate agreement.
Phil Bredesen (D):
Yes. "It's a serious issue." Supported US moving toward 25% renewable energy by 2025, although thought Obama's Clean Energy Plan should have been passed by Congress, not regulation.
Q: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?
Marsha Blackburn (R): No. Has voted no on related bills. Considers it inappropriate intervention in the economy.
Phil Bredesen (D): Yes.
Early advocate of developing this sector. "It seems beyond dispute that `green energy' will be an area of vast importance and growth."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Tennessee Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Phil Bredesen:
Green energy growth: develop a Solar Institute
In the area of clean energy technology, while no one knows exactly which specific technologies will ultimately prevail, it seems beyond dispute that "green energy" will be an area of vast importance and growth in the decades ahead. There is great
opportunity even in traditional businesses, like auto manufacturing, and we have companies here in Tennessee that are world leaders in automotive innovation, from the development of electric vehicles to clean fuels.We are extraordinarily
well-positioned here and in the next couple of years, I want to wrap this up even tighter. Here's an idea about how we might go about that: develop a Solar Institute that is the basic research leader in making solar power practical.
Solar
power today is a tiny part of the power equation. It remains far too expensive, and it's ripe for breakthroughs. There's a lot of basic science to be done. We have the pieces--the building blocks--here in Tennessee to be major players in this area.
Source: 2009 State of the State address to Tennessee legislature
Feb 9, 2009
Phil Bredesen:
Green energy will be of vast importance and growth
Q: Consider climate change a critical threat? Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?Marsha Blackburn (R): No. "The science around it is not a settled science." Applauded withdrawal from Paris Climate agreement.
Phil Bredesen (D):
Yes. "It's a serious issue." Supported US moving toward 25% renewable energy by 2025, although thought Obama's Clean Energy Plan should have been passed by Congress, not regulation.
Q: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?
Marsha Blackburn (R): No. Has voted no on related bills. Considers it inappropriate intervention in the economy.
Phil Bredesen (D): Yes.
Early advocate of developing this sector. "It seems beyond dispute that `green energy' will be an area of vast importance and growth."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Tennessee Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Bill Lee:
Tennessee should be the leader in nuclear energy for America
If we really want to contribute to the future of America's environment, we must contribute to the advancement of clean energy. I'm proposing $50 million in a Nuclear Fast Track fund to recruit companies to our state that will specifically
establish a nuclear development and manufacturing ecosystem built for the future of Tennessee. We cannot not pass up this opportunity. Tennessee can and should be the leader in nuclear energy for America.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Feb 6, 2023
Gloria Johnson:
Opposes repeal of law driving investment in clean energy
Rep. Johnson has spoken out against efforts to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, the landmark federal law that is driving historic investment into clean energy. In 2021, Gloria Johnson celebrated the announcement of a 3,600-acre battery and
vehicle manufacturing campus in West Tennessee by saying "It's an amazing announcement. Let's make sure this deal ends with Tennesseans producing the electric vehicles that win the marketplace with a good wage and good benefits."
Source: CleanEnergy.org on 2024 Tennessee Senate race
Sep 26, 2024
Gloria Johnson:
I believe in science, and I believe in global warming
Johnson undertook to explain both her own mission and the failings of Senator Blackburn, whom she accused of being dishonest and a "fearmonger" in the senator's speeches, press releases, and frequent blog postings in which Blackburn accuses
Democrats of a multitude of sins, up to and including disloyalty."Instead of focusing on hate and division," Johnson said, "we need to be focusing on bringing people together, keeping people healthy and educated and earning a living wage, with access
to things like paid family leave and childcare infrastructure."
As an example of the incumbent's dishonesty, Johnson recalled having seen a video in which "Marsha Blackburn actually said that we're in a cooling period, that here's no such thing as
global warming. She said that back when she ran in 2018. Bless her heart, science is real. Just to let y'all know, I believe in science and research and data and use it daily. Yes."
Source: Memphis Flyer on 2024 Tennessee Senate race
May 29, 2024
Carnita Atwater:
Give local farmers access to solar and wind technology
Environmental Justice: She promises to hold companies accountable
for environmental harm and to invest in sustainable agriculture, supporting local farmers with access to solar and wind technology.
Source: JustMyMemphis.com on 2026 Tennessee Gubernatorial race
Apr 30, 2025
Bill Lee:
An additional $25 million to the Nuclear Fund this year
We have also made Tennessee the global epicenter of nuclear energy…talk about a new frontier.Tennessee was just named the number one state for nuclear energy development, and it's clear why. Tennessee's Nuclear Fund that you helped create has
already recruited $8 billion in investment from leading nuclear companies around the world, creating thousands of new jobs, and more are on the way. That's why we're proposing an additional $25 million to the Nuclear Fund this year.
Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Feb 2, 2026
Jerri Green:
Invest in renewable energy and green jobs
Jerri Green will:- Protect Tennessee's rivers, forests, farmland, and public lands from pollution and overdevelopment
- Enforce clean air and water standards, especially in marginalized communities
- Invest in renewable energy and green jobs
-
Prepare communities for climate resilience and disaster recovery--and won't tie disaster relief funding to voucher schemes or other political efforts that impede efficient and life-saving response
Source: 2026 Tennessee Governor campaign web GreenForGovernor.com
Aug 18, 2026
Marquita Bradshaw:
We have to move toward cleaner, greener energy
In order to build a working economy around working people, we need to address not only affordability, but democracy. We have to move toward cleaner, greener energy for a transition to break our dependency on fossil fuel. Those things are really
having people making sacrifices right now. That's a lever that can be pulled to invest in those technologies so we won't be dependent on fossil fuel infrastructure whether it be with our energy or transportation, and that would affect affordability.
Source: Knoxville News Sentinel on 2026 Tennessee Senate race
Jul 18, 2026
Misam Abidi:
Balanced clean-energy strategy: solar, nuclear, and more
Q: Your opinion on "Prioritize green energy"?A: Support a balanced clean-energy strategy. Energy policy should not become a religion in which one source is declared pure and another evil.
Tennessee needs a balanced system that expands solar power, battery storage, advanced nuclear energy, grid modernization, and future technologies while preserving reliability and affordability.
Large data centers and industrial users should pay their fair share of the generation and grid capacity their operations require rather than transferring those costs to families.
Our objective should be cleaner air, lower long-term costs, resilient power, technological leadership, and high-quality Tennessee jobs. Environmental progress should lift ordinary people, not price them out of transportation, electricity, or opportunity.
Source: OnTheIssues email interview on 2026 Tennessee Governor race
Sep 21, 2026
Robert Jones:
Prioritize green energy
Q: Your opinion on "Prioritize green energy"?A: America should continue developing cleaner and renewable sources of energy while maintaining the reliability and affordability required by households and businesses.
Environmental stewardship, energy security, economic competitiveness, and grid reliability should be treated as interconnected objectives rather than opposing political positions.
Energy policy should follow evidence and technological development rather than political labels, allowing cleaner technologies to compete and expand while ensuring
Americans continue to have access to dependable and affordable energy.
Source: OnTheIssues email interview on 2026 Tennessee Senate race
Sep 21, 2026
Robert Vick:
Prioritize green energy, but balanced
Q: Your opinion on "Prioritize green energy"?
A: Taking care of our environment is important but must balance with jobs, energy, common sense.
Source: OnTheIssues email interview on 2026 Tennessee Governor race
Sep 22, 2026
Page last updated: Oct 18, 2026