Stephen Smith

Executive Director

Dr. Stephen A. Smith has over 35 years of experience affecting positive change for the environment. Since 1993, Dr. Smith has led the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) as its Executive Director. Under his leadership, SACE has grown to be a premier voice for clean energy issues in the southeast region.

Dr. Smith currently serves on the Knoxville Mayor’s Climate Council and the board of Floridians for Solar Choice. In the past, he has served on the State of Tennessee Energy Policy Council, North Carolina Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change and the North Carolina Climate Action Planning Advisory Group, the South Carolina Climate, Energy and Commerce Advisory Committee, and two terms on the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Regional Energy Resource Council.

Dr. Smith holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Kentucky Wesleyan College. His family home has an 11-kilowatt rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system with battery storage. Dr. Smith’s other areas of interest include flying, sailing, scuba diving, and beekeeping.

Stephen's Recent Posts

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Southeastern States Face Ratepayer Risks in AI-Driven Energy Boom

A critical look at AI's electricity demands, the risks of overbuilding infrastructure, and the Southeast's stake in this high-powered gamble.

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Rush to Build New Nuclear Power: TVA and Administration Ignore Cost and Safety

TVA and the Trump Administration are rushing new nuclear power plant technologies that are unproven and not cost effective while weakening the regulatory framework designed to review cost and safety

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Clean Energy Repeal Bill Threatens $73 Billion in Southeast Investment

A sweeping House Republican bill guts clean energy tax credits, threatening Southeast jobs, raising energy costs, and reversing climate progress—putting over $73 billion in regional investment and U.S. competitiveness at risk.

see all of Stephen's posts