Adams and Reese attorney and Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) has been elected to the Executive Committee of the Southern States Energy Board, announced by The Tennessee Senate Republican Caucus, following the election during the organization’s 53rd annual meeting in Biloxi, Mississippi this month.
“Senator Norris was a unanimous selection by our Board members because he is an outstanding and well respected legislative leader on key policy issues facing our nation and the South. His commitment to sound energy and environmental principles and clean, affordable and reliable electricity are indicative of his leadership,” said Ken Nemeth, Secretary and Executive Director of the Board.
Norris has served on the Southern States Energy Board since he was first appointed by Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey in February 2009.
The Southern States Energy Board is an interstate compact, comprised of governors and state legislators from sixteen southern states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as a presidential appointee. The Board’s mission is to promote economic development and enhance the quality of life in the South, through innovations in energy and environmental programs, policies and technologies.
”Providing affordable, clean and diverse energy solutions is key to helping our economy recover and prosper,” said Senator Norris. “I appreciate the Board’s confidence and look forward to working together to find solutions to the challenges we face.”
Norris has served in the Tennessee Senate since 2000 and as Senate Majority Leader since 2007. At Adams and Reese, Norris has practiced law since 1980 and is Special Counsel with the firm in the Memphis and Nashville offices. First elected to the Senate in 2000 and as Majority Leader in 2007, Senator Norris represents the West Tennessee Counties of Shelby, Tipton, Lauderdale, and Dyer. Norris is currently a member of the following Senate Committees: Finance, Ways and Means; State and Local Government; Ethics; Veterans’ Affairs; Pensions and Insurance; and Workers’ Compensation Oversight. He is Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee.
Norris has a diverse civil litigation and business practice. His commercial litigation caseload regularly includes products liability, petroleum marketing and franchise litigation, defense of professional liability claims, and condemnation/eminent domain cases He advises clients in crisis management and preventative measures to minimize risk and avoid the expense of litigation. He also appears before administrative, regulatory and municipal boards on behalf of a variety of clients in land use, permitting and zoning matters related to economic development.