NASHVILLE - Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner David Salyers on Tuesday announced the appointment of Gregory T. Young as deputy commissioner of the Bureau of Environment.
Young replaces Tisha Calabrese Benton, who became vice chancellor for communications for the University of Tennessee in December.
Salyers said Young "has vast experience in numerous environmental issues, and we are fortunate to have him join our department in this role. He has a depth of knowledge in this field that will serve us well in protecting the environment that is such a treasure to all Tennesseans."
Young has 18 years of experience in practicing environmental law in Tennessee, including environmental permitting, rulemaking, compliance and enforcement cases, according to a department news release. The department said he also has a "wide range of expertise" in environmental matters involving water quality, air permitting, solid and hazardous waste, utility regulatory programs and more.
The new deputy commissioner has also worked on conservation projects involving land donations, conservation easements, greenhouse gas credits, and stream and wetland mitigation.
Young said he looks forward "to working with the dedicated and talented folks in the Bureau of Environment."
Young has served as co-chair of the working group for Institutional and Legal Framework for TN H2O, Tennessee's statewide initiative for developing a forward-looking water resources plan. He was appointed in 2016 to serve on TDEC's Water Re-Use Advisory Committee. Young has also represented agencies of the state of Tennessee on environmental matters in the past.
The department says legal publications have recognized Young for his work in environmental law, including listings in Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers.
Young received his law degree from Tulane University in 2001 after receiving a bachelor's degree from Mississippi College in 1998. He lives in Franklin with his wife, Lauren, and two children.