Berke honored for green record

Lipscomb University's Institute for Sustainable Practice has named state Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, as its 2011 Green Business Leadership Public Official of the Year.

The institute named Berke from public officials throughout the Southeast for his efforts to protect the region's environment, promote a sustainable state economy and further promotion of green energy jobs, according to a Senate Democratic Caucus news release.

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Berke has sponsored several initiatives to promote clean energy. Among them was Gov. Phil Bredesen's Tennessee Clean Future Act, which seeks to create new, "clean-energy" technology jobs while protecting the environment.

He currently is working to create a clean-energy job training program within Tennessee career and technical schools, as well as a statewide plan for the development of clean energy job programs.

Berke called it an "an honor to be recognized by such an esteemed program, especially given the tremendous progress we have made statewide."

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