NASHVILLE – Gov. Phil Bredesen is the main financial backer for a solar energy company venture run by a former Cabinet member and his current development chief.
The Tennessean newspaper reports for Thursday’s editions that the company called Silicon Ranch Corp. is being run by Reagan Farr, who was Bredesen’s revenue commissioner until he stepped down on Sept. 1.
Bredesen, who leaves office in January, is listed among the company’s officers along with Farr and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber. The company was set up as a Delaware-based corporation in August.
The Bredesen administration has made green energy development a major priority in Tennessee, granting millions of dollars in tax incentives to successfully lure solar industry investments to the state.
The governor tells the newspaper that all efforts are being made to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.