S. David Freeman, a fierce and tireless advocate for clean air, renewable energy, and public power, passed away of a heart attack on May 12. He was 94.
Freeman, son of an umbrella repairman, obtained degrees in engineering and law, eventually becoming chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) under Carter. Originally established under Roosevelt’s New Deal, under Freeman’s leadership, TVA cancelled numerous atomic reactors. After he left, Dave would criticize his successors at TVA for failing to fully promote conservation and renewables, and for garnering lavish salaries and perks.
While at first maintaining a conventional view of nuclear power, Dave became convinced that we could have all the energy we needed through energy conservation, rather than through new nuclear power construction. Two women from New Hampshire had visited Dave. Their community was being threatened with the construction of a nuclear power facility and their research demonstrated conservation, not construction, was what was needed. Dave listened, ran the numbers, and realized the women were right. This is how things are supposed to work, although they rarely do.
Freeman also headed other electric utilities in Texas, New York and California. His guidance of the 
Shuttered San Onofre nuclear station overlooks low-profile solar array. Photo by Griffin5 at English WikipediaSacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) led it into a solar powered future, with installation of solar panels on the Rancho Seco nuclear site, in the immediate aftermath of the popular referendum that shut it down post-Chernobyl. Dave worked to shut down the dreadfully dangerous San Onofre 2 & 3 reactors in 2013 after a year and a half long emergency campaign. Dave also helped obtain the hard won agreement with PG&E and nuclear worker labor unions to shutter the very high-risk Diablo Canyon 1 & 2 at the end of their 40-year licenses (2024 and 2025 respectively).
Dubbed the “Green Cowboy” in his later years, David Freeman was fearless in the face of what can be paralyzing, overwhelming, yet vital anti-nuclear work. His down to earth advice was simple, clear, inspiring, and motivational. At an Institute for Energy and Environmental Research/Dr. Egghead summer school session Dave said, "Well, being activists, we might as well be active." We couldn’t agree more. We will stand on your shoulders, Dave, as we move onward.
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