Clean Tech: Tennessee

Recently read "The Top 10 U.S. States for CleanTech in 2009" by Shawn Lesser of Sustainable World Capital (see article: http://cleantech.com/news/4845/top-10-us-states-cleantech-2009). Mr. Lesser has ranked the state of Tennessee number 6 among 10 states that are "bringing together all the parts of the economy with natural resources and manufacturing know-how." This is what Mr. Lesser has written to justify his ranking:

"Tennessee is the billion dollar baby, thanks to strong political foresight of Gov. Phil Bredesen. That has helped the Volunteer State land two of the biggest cleantech deals in the last several years: Hemlock Semiconductor’s announced plans for a $1.2 billion polysilicon plant and German chemical firm Wacker Chemie’s announced plans for a $1 billion polysilicon factory in Tennessee (see Cleantech industry in the U.S. South emerging from stealth)."

If you are curious to know what the other 9 states are without reading the article:

1. California
2. Texas
3. Massachusetts
4. Colorado
5. New Jersey
6. Tennessee
7. Pennsylvania
8. New York
9. Ohio
10. Oregon

I am probably revealing some of my ignorance in the cleantech area, but I honestly did not expect Tennessee, or Texas for that matter, to be among the leaders in clean tech. I am learning quickly that environmentally friendly initiatives are not just reserved for left-leaning states. This is further evidence that it is not just the Democrats who believe that clean tech is a wise business choice.

Side note: I am visiting my parents here in Tennessee and can hear the wind blowing outside -- it sounds like we are on top of Mt. Everest the gusts are so strong. Maybe time to think about getting off the grid with wind power :-).

Conservative Environmentalist

I think it is time for me to state that I am a conservative environmentalist. This means that as I work to promote a greener world, I do not believe in taking any measure to accomplish this. Yes, I enjoy:

• Organic food
• Clean air
• Green design
• Green architecture
• etc.

But I do not worship these things and will not advocate environmental policies (i.e., taxes) that will cost people jobs. If we want to talk about a sustainable economy, this is not sustainable! Crippling an economy through excessive taxation on businesses, thereby threatening their existence, is not only absurd, it is morally wrong. A "green economy" will not fully support the United States (or any other country for that matter) -- it can only supplement it. To push for a green economy while putting people out of work is wrong. This being the case, I do not support the Cap and Trade bill -- HR2454 -- at this time. If someone can show me data on how HR2454 will simultaneously create and preserve jobs, I will gladly listen.

The UK

Green greetings from Tennessee!

This site is still valuable for those interested in doing green business in the UK.

http://www.uk-energy-saving.com/

Next up: Surprising news on how the state of Tennessee is a leader in green technology initiatives.

Green: New Beginnings

Today the color green means "new beginnings" in my life. I have not posted on this blog site since September, 2007, but that is about to change! The green movement is still on the top of my list for movements to follow. Be prepared to see more posts more frequently from now on.