Vanderbilt Law is excited to host former Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen for a fireside chat on Bypassing Polarization on Energy Issues. The event, part of The Private Sector and The Planet speaker series, is sponsored by Vanderbilt Law School’s Private Climate Governance Lab (PCG); the Iowa Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative; Dialogue Vanderbilt; and Vanderbilt’s Center for Sustainability, Energy, and Climate (VSEC).
Moderated by Professor Michael Vandenbergh, David Daniels Allen Distinguished Chair in Law and Co-Director of the Energy, Environment & Land Use Program, Governor Bredesen will discuss how leaders can bridge divides and find pragmatic, durable solutions that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. Drawing on his experience in both the public and private sectors, he will discuss the role of collaboration, innovation, and bipartisanship in shaping an effective energy future.
The event will take place on November 3, 2025, at 12:10 p.m. in Flynn Auditorium at Vanderbilt Law School. To register for the event, click here, or watch a livestream of the event on our YouTube channel.
Phil Bredesen served as the 48th Governor of Tennessee from 2003 to 2011 and as Mayor of Nashville from 1991 to 1999. During his time in office, he led major reforms in healthcare, education, and economic development. Before entering public service, Bredesen built a successful career in the private sector as an entrepreneur in the healthcare industry. Governor Bredesen is the co-founder of Silicon Ranch, one of the largest solar developers in the country.
