The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) exists to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Tennessee and to be stewards of our natural environment.  The department is committed to providing a cleaner, safer environment that goes hand-in-hand with economic prosperity and increased quality of life in Tennessee. It delivers on its mission by managing regulatory programs that maintain standards for air, water, and soil quality while providing assistance to businesses and communities in areas ranging from recreation to waste management. TDEC also manages the state park system and programs to inventory, interpret, and protect Tennessee’s rich natural, historical, and archaeological heritage. TDEC is led by Commissioner David Salyers, P.E., P.G., who has served as TDEC Commissioner since January 2019.

How does TEAM TN align with TDEC’s goals?

TEAM TN’s goal of a thriving advanced mobility ecosystem that simultaneously strengthens Tennessee leadership in the innovation economy aligns with TDEC’s goal of enhancing the quality of life for Tennesseans.

Transportation decisions impact the environment and, ultimately, Tennesseans’ quality of life. The transportation sector is Tennessee’s largest end-use energy-consuming sector and the largest source of emissions. At TDEC, our mission to ensure a cleaner, safer environment drives our vision to realize more efficient modes of transportation that will reduce emissions, improve air quality, decrease energy costs, and drive economic growth across our state.

How do you see TEAM TN helping Tennessee grow its leadership in the advanced mobility sector?

TEAM TN’s diverse stakeholders, consisting of over 200 organizations covering the many facets of the transportation sector, have established a strong foundation for transportation advancement in Tennessee. The efforts of each of these organizations come together under TEAM TN to benefit the state as a whole and propel transportation advancement forward, which can impact transportation emissions, create a strong workforce, and set Tennessee further apart as a leader in the sector.

What does the future hold for TDEC in terms of growth, innovation or community involvement?

TDEC continues to oversee and support programs in the transportation sector, including programs focused on promoting alternative fuels, advanced vehicle technologies, and sustainable transportation options.

An example of this is TDEC’s role as administrator of Tennessee’s allocation under the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust (EMT). As of 2024, TDEC’s Office of Energy Programs has obligated $28,216,088.19 in VW Settlement EMT funding to 62 School Bus, Shuttle Bus, Transit Bus, Medium Truck, and Large Truck projects, as well as 12 electric vehicle fast charging projects in Tennessee. Overall, 62% of obligated project funds have been obligated to support alternative fuel projects, including propane, compressed natural gas (CNG), and electric.

As another example, TDEC and TVA have partnered to develop a statewide electric vehicle fast charging network, the Fast Charge TN Network, to power the growth of electric vehicles across Tennessee and reduce barriers to transportation electrification. Specifically, the two signed an agreement to collaborate and fund a network of fast charging stations every 50 miles along Tennessee’s interstates and major highways.

Lastly, TDEC supports sustainable transportation by coordinating the U.S. Department of Energy-designated Middle-West Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition, serving as an Executive Committee member of Drive Electric Tennessee, and supporting the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, and TennSMART with coordination of the annual Tennessee Smart Mobility Expo.