policy

advocating for a better future

accelerating the transition

We are committed to confronting the climate crisis with urgency by driving the transition to a post-fossil fuel society. Our mission is to provide educational outreach, advocate for policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and actively engage both public and private sectors in adopting renewable energy solutions. Through strategic actions such as supporting green fleets, pushing for carbon reduction goals, and fostering partnerships with media, we aim to empower communities and stakeholders to take meaningful steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. Join us as we work to accelerate the shift to renewable energy and a fossil-free world. Below are some policy initiatives we have taken to ensure we are reaching pivotal leaders in Knox County.

Advocate for state and federal incentives, such as tax breaks and grants, to boost renewable energy adoption.

Advocate for the City of Knoxville and Knox county to adopt green fleets with electric and zero-emission vehicles.

Advocate for local incentives to expand EV charging stations in public and private spaces.

Advocate for funding and policies to support clean energy tech innovation and pilot projects.

KCW Local Efforts

Letter to Knox County Commision

We wrote a letter to the Knox County Commission calling for change surrounding current climate change policies in Knox County.

Letter to Knoxville Aiport Authority

We wrote a letter to the Knoxville Airport Authority to incorporate solar energy into airport systems to reduce their environmental impact.

Knox County Commissioner Meetings

Over the course of the 2024-2025 years, a small group of KCW officers and members met in person with the following Knox County Commissioners, in this order: Mr. Shane Jackson, District 4; Ms. Courtney Durrett, District 2; Mr. Damon Rawls, 1st District; Ms. Kim Frazier, at-Large Seat 11; and Mr. Larsen Jay, At-Large Seat 10. Our discussions focused on the the activities of KCW and the need for conducting a Vulnerability Assessment and Emergency Preparedness planning for natural disasters for Knox County. These meetings by and large went well, though we later discovered after contacting the UT-K Emergency Management Director Mr. Brian Gard that there is a FEMA-approved completed report that is titled, Knox County, City of Knoxville, and Town of Farragut Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and can be downloaded from the following website by clicking on the following link: 2025 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (PDF format)

KEMA On-Site Visit

Chet Hunt, Deb O’Dell, Brian Jones and Steve Driese visited KEMA (Knoxville/Knox County Emergency Management Agency and met with its Director, Mr. Colin Ickes (cickes@knoxvilletn.gov) at their office at 1630 Huron Street, Knoxville, TN 37917 865-215-1166. This agency manages City and County response to natural disasters.

Meeting with Mr. Hollis McClain, III, Writer for Knox Dems Monthly Newsletter

Steve Driese and Chet Hunt met with Mr. Hollis McClain, III, who is a staff writer for the Knoxville Democratic Party’s Knox Dems Newsletter about the aims and aspirations of KCW and how citizens can become engaged with our group. A subsequent article about KCW appeared in the August 1 digital newsletter.

Meeting with Ms. Patience Melnick, the Knoxville Sustainability Director

Deb O’Dell, Chet Hunter and Steve Driese met with Ms. Patience Melnick, the Knoxville Sustainability Director, at a coffee shop in Market Square Mall to discuss the City of Knoxville’s plans for sustainable policies and practices. She is the point person for the City of Knoxville Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) (which is part of the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program). Knoxville is leading for the county area.

Visit with Amanda Purkey, PE, Interim Floodplain Manager and Knox County Drainage Engineer

Steve Driese and Chet Hunt met with Ms. Amanda Purkey, Interim Drainage and Flood Engineer for Knox County at her office at 205 West Baxter Avenue, Knoxville to discuss specific areas of vulnerability and County response and preparedness/zoning planning

Visit with Mr. Joshua Frerichs (Frays), PE, CFM, Knox County Engineer Plans Review Manager

On recommendation of Amanda Purkey, Steve Driese and Chet Hunt met with Mr. Joshua Frierichs, Engineer Plans Review Manager for Knox County, at his office at the City County Building, 400 Main Street, Knoxville to discuss specific areas of vulnerability and City response and preparedness/zoning planning.

Want to reach out?

We are always open to talk about climate change and how we can work together to help Knox County become greener.