NASHVILLE - A spokeswoman for Gov. Phil Bredesen rejected criticism from GOP gubernatorial candidates who say state environmental regulators build needless barriers to business development.

"There will likely be many statements in coming months about how the various candidates for governor would propose to improve state government," Bredesen Press Secretary Lydia Lenker said in a statement.

"Each state agency must deal with the various interests of the constituencies it serves and through Gov. Bredesen's Jobs Cabinet, state agencies have worked together to create a favorable business climate in Tennessee that balances job creation with environmental protection," she said.

Earlier in the day, three of the four Republican gubernatorial hopefuls, appearing in a Brentwood-Cool Springs Chamber of Commerce forum, singled out the state's Department of Environment and Conservation for criticism.

"They're out of control," said Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville.

For complete details, see tomorrow's Times Free Press.