Environmental enthusiasts and green-thumbed heroes within the Volunteer state have cause to prepare their acceptance speeches—the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is currently seeking nominations for the prestigious 2025 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards. According to a recent announcement, these awards are given to individuals and organizations committed to the conservation of Tennessee’s natural wealth. “From Mountain City to Memphis, our state is blessed with rich natural resources that will only be around for the future if we invest in them today," said Gov. Bill Lee, as per the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
This yearly accolade spans 10 diverse categories that include Agriculture and Forestry, Building Green, and Clean Air, and Transportation Solutions, among others. One new addition this year, a joining of the Clean Air category with Transportation Solutions, signifies an evolution from prior programs. Curiously, in what only sharp eyes might catch as an administrative oversight, the TDEC release mentions all nominees must have a minimum of three consecutive years of overall environmental compliance with TDEC, forgetting that educational institutions and agencies are also among those eligible for the honor.
With eligibility extending to individuals, businesses, organizations, educational institutions, and agencies—all must find roots in Tennessee and have projects fully realized in the two years before December 31. "Tennessee has outstanding stewards of the environment, and we want to recognize the best among them," TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said in a release shared by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The process also embraces self-nomination, a call to scholars and doers to step into the light and claim accolades for their environmental efforts.
