Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

Tennessee is leading the nation again and supercharging our reputation as the global hub for nuclear energy innovation! On June 9, we will be the first state in the nation with a regulatory framework for nuclear fusion machines (like the ones pictured below) and fusion-related activities through TDEC's Division of Radiological Health. Nuclear fusion is the same powerful reaction that fuels the sun—when light atoms combine into a heavier one, releasing an enormous amount of clean energy.

Type One Energy’s commercial site near Oak Ridge is anticipated to be among the first licensees under this new framework. Learn more about this innovative milestone here:

https://www.tn.gov/environment/news/2026/6/1/tn-powers-up-first-in-the-nation-fusion-regulations-june-9.html

📸: Type One Energy

Happy birthday, Tennessee! From Memphis to Mountain City, we are a state blessed with beautiful natural resources and an abundance of outdoor opportunities. Today and every day, we celebrate this great state we call home.

📸: Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Commissioner Salyers met some of Tennessee's brightest and best young men this week at the 2026 American Legion Boys State at Tennessee Tech University. The commissioner shared insights into his role and responsibilities as a member of Gov. Lee’s Cabinet with the newly elected Governor of Boys State and members of his cabinet. Boys State is a selective, week-long immersive leadership and civics program for more than 500 rising high school seniors from every county in Tennessee. We look forward to what the future holds for these young men!

Last year, TDEC's Division of Water Resources' inaugural Regulatory Forum was so well received, we're holding three forums in 2026 - one in each of the state's grand divisions! These forums are designed to strengthen communication, transparency, and collaboration with our water resources stakeholders.

June 17, 2026 - West Tennessee (Jackson Energy Authority Training Facility)

August 13, 2026 - East Tennessee (Pellissippi State Strawberry Plains Campus)

November 10, 2026 - Middle Tennessee (Fleming Training Center)

Featured topics will include:
-Division of Water Resources overview and mission
-Who's Who: Get to know TDEC’s water programs and staff
-Division of Water Resources priorities and key activities
-Region-specific topics, technical assistance & MyTDEC forms

Scan the QR code for more details or visit the link below to register today.

https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/wr-water-resources/dwr-outreach.html

The Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership met this week at Henry Horton State Park, continuing its work to develop strategies for the sustainable management of the Duck River. Gov. Bill Lee established the partnership in 2024 under Executive Order 108, with an emphasis on identifying regional approaches to water supply for the Duck River that could serve as a model for statewide water management and other watersheds in Tennessee.

To learn more about the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership's work and to read its initial report and recommendations, go to: https://www.tn.gov/environment/duckriverpartnership.html

Great to see you again, Gov. Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee! We are grateful for your commitment to our Tennessee State Parks and for helping to preserve Tennessee's great outdoors for future generations.

We were honored to welcome Gov. Bill Lee to our central offices this week! Thank you for taking the time to meet with our team, and for your leadership and continued support as we work to protect Tennessee’s natural resources for generations to come.