TDEC Names Clarksville-Montgomery County School System a Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has named Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) as the recipient of the 2026 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Clean Air and Transportation Solutions. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards which honors individuals, businesses, and other organizations for their commitment to preserving the state’s natural resources.

The award for Clean Air and Transportation Solutions recognizes initiatives that measurably reduce harmful air pollutants, greenhouse gases, acid rain precursors, and other emissions that affect land and water.

CMCSS has been recognized for operating Tennessee’s largest propane school bus program, marking a major advancement in clean transportation, student health protections, and statewide environmental leadership. Since 2014, the school district has expanded its alternative‑fuel fleet to more than 110 propane‑powered buses, representing roughly one‑third of its total fleet and setting a new standard for school transportation across the state. The district also built out critical refueling infrastructure, expanding from one to five propane fueling stations between 2019 and 2025.

Beyond environmental gains, CMCSS has realized major financial savings. The district reports more than $115,000 in fuel savings, with additional reductions in maintenance costs compared to diesel buses allowing more district resources to be redirected toward student learning. The program has also had a statewide impact, inspiring up to 20 Tennessee school districts that now operate propane buses.

There are ten categories for the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards. Other recipients include:

• Agriculture and Forestry – Cumberland River Compact
• Building Green – iFixit
• Environmental Education and Outreach – Clearloop and Jackson-Madison County School System
• Energy and Renewable Resources – Memphis Light, Gas and Water
• Materials Management – Toyota Boshoku Tennessee LLC
• Natural Resources – Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful
• Pursuit of Excellence – OxyChem
• Sustainable Performance – Carlex Glass America, LLC
• Water Quality – Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency

The Robert Sparks Walker Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced at the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards event in September.

For more information on the recipients and the awards program, visit the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards website.