Clem Shute has been recognized with the Dianne Feinstein Award for his longstanding contributions to protecting and restoring Lake Tahoe. Shute was instrumental in founding the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) in 1969, which was the first interstate compact agency of its kind in the United States. He played a key role in developing TRPA’s regulatory framework and represented its policies before national courts.
Dr. Darcie Goodman Collins, CEO of Keep Tahoe Blue, stated, “It’s a personal honor to have nominated Clem for this award on behalf of the environmental community and all who cherish Lake Tahoe. From his landmark legal accomplishments that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, to his decade of service on TRPA’s Governing Board, Clem helped build partnerships for Team Tahoe that continue to protect Tahoe today — and will into the future.”
After helping establish TRPA over five decades ago, Shute returned in 2011 as one of California’s representatives on TRPA’s 15-member Governing Board. He served for nine years and contributed significantly to updating the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan in 2012, which renewed collaboration between California and Nevada under the Bi-State Compact.
TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan commented, “Clem embodies the spirit of collaboration and partnership that has underpinned Lake Tahoe’s protection for more than 55 years. During the Regional Plan Update, his extensive knowledge and commitment to collaborating with Nevada officials brought the bi-state partnership back together. Lake Tahoe remains one of the clearest bodies of water in the world thanks to leaders like Clem over the decades.”
Shute began his legal career at the California Attorney General’s office with work focused on conservation around San Francisco Bay. His efforts led to important precedents in environmental law through appellate court decisions. In 2002, he was part of a team that defended TRPA before the U.S. Supreme Court during Tahoe Sierra Preservation Council v. TRPA—a case often referenced in land-use planning discussions. The California State Bar honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
Reflecting on his connection to Lake Tahoe since childhood vacations there, Shute said: “When given the chance to help ‘save Lake Tahoe,’ the choice was easy. Looking back, it’s incredible to see just how much has been accomplished collectively. It is humbling to be included among the major figures in Lake Tahoe’s preservation, and I feel those who were alongside me share in this award.”