Lowe Finney Named a “Friend of the Environment”
NASHVILLE – State Sen. Lowe Finney was recently named “friend of the environment,” the top award given by the Tennessee Conservation Voters. “It‘s an honor to be recognized by such a great organization that works tirelessly to protect Tennessee‘s environment,” Sen. Finney said. “Tourism is the largest industry in our state, and people travel from across the world to experience Tennessee‘s natural beauty. As stewards of our environment and surroundings, it is imperative that we do everything we can to preserve our state‘s greatest resource.” In 2013 and 2014, Sen. Finney sponsored the “Tennessee Scenic Vistas Protection Act,” a bill prohibiting the destructive practice of mountaintop removal. The proposal has received bipartisan support, with Sen. Lamar Alexander introducing a similar bill before the U.S. Senate. In 2014, Finney was also the sponsor of a bill that aimed to prevent drilling by hydraulic fracturing – commonly known as “fracking” – in Tennessee. The controversial method of drilling poses serious environmental risks through contamination of ground water, which can lead to health risks for citizens in the surrounding area. “Sen. Finney has been a true friend of the environment,” said Mary Helen Clarke, immediate past President of the Tennessee Conservation Voters. “No one cares more about guaranteeing future generations can enjoy Tennessee‘s great outdoors.”
