Energy

signed · Tennessee · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 2231: Gas, Petroleum Products, Volatile Oils - As enacted, makes various changes concerning oil and gas drilling operations; specifies procedural requirements for review of certain administrative actions. - Amends TCA Title 59; Title 60 and Title 68.

SB 2231 updates Tennessee's oil and gas drilling regulations by revising key definitions (replacing "crude petroleum" with "oil" and clarifying "well" to include production boreholes), reducing required buffer zones from streams from 0.5 miles to 0.25 miles, and mandating permits for surface disturbances and drilling operations. It requires operators to submit and comply with approved plans, with non-compliance risking suspension, permit revocation, or fines. These changes directly affect oil and gas operators, producers, and drilling companies conducting well operations across Tennessee. The bill modernizes procedural requirements while maintaining environmental and operational safeguards for drilling activities.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyReduces buffer zones for oil/gas drilling, easing fossil fuel extraction regulations without addressing renewables or clean energy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 24, 2026

HB 2070: Energy - As enacted, creates the "Tennessee Energy Freedom Act." - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 60 and Title 68.

HB 2070, the "Tennessee Energy Freedom Act," protects fossil fuel industry activities by limiting legal liability for emissions. It prohibits lawsuits or penalties related to emissions from coal, oil, and natural gas operations (defined as "covered activities") unless the emissions violate federal environmental laws like the Clean Air Act. The bill restricts liability claims to "in-jurisdiction products" - meaning only emissions from fossil fuels actually shipped into Tennessee - and bars claims based on emissions from products sold outside the state. This directly affects fossil fuel companies operating in Tennessee and any entities seeking to hold them liable for emissions.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyProtects fossil fuel operations by limiting emissions liability, opposing regulatory measures that would hold them accountable for pollution.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentLimits legal liability for fossil fuel emissions, restricting enforcement of environmental protections except when violating federal law.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Coal Oil & Gas Air Quality

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 1999: Energy - As introduced, enacts the "Data Center, Artificial Intelligence, and Clean Transition Tariff Accountability Act." - Amends TCA Title 7 and Title 65.

SB 1999 creates a "Clean Transition Tariff" (CTT) requiring large data centers, AI facilities, and other energy-intensive operations (with 25+ megawatts of demand or focused on data/AI/cloud computing) to pay for new clean energy infrastructure and grid upgrades needed to support their growth. The bill ensures these costs are borne solely by the large users, preventing rate increases for residential and small business customers. It establishes a voluntary tariff system approved by the Tennessee Public Utility Commission, mandating that new clean power for these facilities must be "additional" and not funded through general ratepayers. The law also requires local utilities to enforce this cost responsibility and report on large-load impacts annually.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill imposes targeted tariff on large energy users to fund clean grid infrastructure, preventing residential/small business rate hikes, promoting fiscal responsibility in budget allocation.92% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires large energy users to fund clean energy infrastructure via CTT, preventing residential rate hikes; directly advances clean energy investment as per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires large data centers/AI facilities to fund clean energy infrastructure via CTT, directly promoting environmental protection through clean energy investment and grid upgrades.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Utility Regulation

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signed · Tennessee · House May 18, 2026

HB 1875: Real Property - As enacted, prohibits a unit owners' association or homeowners' association from prohibiting a lot owner from installing an electric vehicle charging station for the lot owner's personal use on property owned by the lot owners; makes other changes related to electric vehicle charging stations. - Amends TCA Title 48 and Title 66.

HB 1875 prevents homeowners' associations (HOAs) and condominium associations from banning lot or unit owners from installing personal electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on their own property, including designated parking spots. The bill allows associations to set reasonable limits on station size, placement, and installation method but prohibits them from blocking installations in owners' designated parking areas. Homeowners installing EV chargers must cover liability costs and maintain insurance, with associations required to be named as insureds. This directly affects homeowners seeking EV infrastructure and HOAs managing community rules, effective July 2026.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRemoves barriers to EV charging infrastructure, promoting renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence through expanded access to clean energy infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProtects property rights by allowing lot owners to install personal EV charging stations without HOA prohibition, directly supporting property rights within housing context.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationProhibits HOAs from banning EV charging stations, enabling home EV infrastructure and promoting sustainable transportation adoption.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles Vehicle Registration

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 2008: Environment and Conservation, Department of - As introduced, enacts the "Climate Resiliency Fund Act." - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 5; Title 9; Title 60; Title 67 and Title 68.

SB 2008 establishes the "Climate Resiliency Fund" to finance climate adaptation projects across Tennessee. It requires fossil fuel businesses (like coal and oil operations) that existed between 1995 and 2026 to pay cost recovery charges into the fund. The fund will support concrete projects such as flood protections, infrastructure upgrades, nature-based solutions, and healthcare programs addressing climate impacts like extreme weather and heat waves. Priority funding is directed to environmental justice communities facing higher climate burdens due to income, race, or language barriers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill imposes cost recovery charges on fossil fuel businesses to fund climate adaptation projects, creating a dedicated budget stream for essential environmental services.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires fossil fuel businesses to fund climate adaptation projects including infrastructure upgrades, aligning with clean energy infrastructure investment and reducing fossil fuel reliance.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes Climate Resiliency Fund financed by fossil fuel businesses to fund climate adaptation projects like flood protection and nature-based solutions, directly advancing environmental protection and climate resilience.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly funds healthcare programs addressing climate impacts like extreme weather and heat waves, aligning with healthcare funding indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Coal Oil & Gas Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Environmental Justice Substance Abuse

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 2054: Energy - As introduced, enacts the "Data Center, Artificial Intelligence, and Clean Transition Tariff Accountability Act." - Amends TCA Title 7 and Title 65.

HB 2054 establishes a "Clean Transition Tariff" (CTT) requiring large energy users - such as data centers, AI facilities, and crypto operations consuming 25 megawatts or more - to pay a voluntary premium for new clean energy infrastructure. This ensures these facilities fund their own grid upgrades and new clean power generation, preventing costs from being shifted to residential and small business customers. The bill mandates that large users cover all proportional costs for transmission, distribution, and reliability upgrades needed to serve their new electricity demand. It also requires utilities to enforce this tariff structure and report annually on cost allocations, protecting smaller ratepayers while supporting grid reliability. The CTT must provide 100% clean power for the facility’s new demand without impacting other customers’ rates.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEnsures large energy users fund their own grid upgrades, preventing cost-shifting to residential customers - promoting fiscal responsibility in infrastructure funding.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates large energy users to fund clean infrastructure via CTT, preventing cost-shifting to residential consumers and advancing clean energy transition.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires large energy users to fund clean energy infrastructure via voluntary premium, directly advancing clean power transition and preventing cost-shifting to residential consumers.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Renewable Energy

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 1850: Environment and Conservation, Department of - As introduced, enacts the "Climate Resiliency Fund Act." - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 5; Title 9; Title 60; Title 67 and Title 68.

HB 1850 establishes the "Climate Resiliency Fund" to finance climate adaptation projects in Tennessee. It requires fossil fuel businesses (defined as entities owning such operations during 1995-2026) to pay "cost recovery demands" into the fund, which will support projects like flood protections, infrastructure upgrades, and nature-based solutions. The fund prioritizes environmental justice communities - defined as census areas with high poverty, minority populations, or limited English proficiency - to address climate impacts disproportionately affecting these areas. The bill amends multiple Tennessee code sections to create this mechanism and define key terms like "climate change adaptation project."

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates fossil fuel businesses to pay 'cost recovery demands' into a dedicated fund for climate adaptation projects, creating new revenue to finance public infrastructure and environmental justice initiatives.92% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires fossil fuel businesses to fund climate adaptation projects (flood protections, infrastructure) via 'cost recovery demands,' prioritizing environmental justice communities.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes Climate Resiliency Fund financed by fossil fuel businesses to fund climate adaptation projects (flood protections, nature-based solutions) prioritizing environmental justice communities, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Conservation Environmental Justice

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate May 18, 2026

SB 1787: Real Property - As enacted, prohibits a unit owners' association or homeowners' association from prohibiting a lot owner from installing an electric vehicle charging station for the lot owner's personal use on property owned by the lot owners; makes other changes related to electric vehicle charging stations. - Amends TCA Title 48 and Title 66.

SB 1787 prevents homeowners' and condominium associations in Tennessee from banning unit owners from installing personal electric vehicle charging stations on their own property, including designated parking spots. Associations may still set reasonable rules about the charger's size, placement, and installation method but cannot block installations where the owner's parking is located. Owners must cover any liability costs from the charger (including legal fees) and maintain insurance naming the association as a beneficiary. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, applying to all new or amended association rules after that date.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRemoves barriers to EV charging infrastructure, enabling personal electric vehicle adoption which advances renewable energy infrastructure development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 11, 2025

HB 951: Energy - As introduced, enacts the "Clean Energy and Jobs Act"; creates the Clean Energy Workforce Training Grant Fund; establishes a tax credit for certain systems, methods, improvements, structures, devices, or appliances used by renewable energy businesses, and small businesses to implement or improve the business's sustainable practices. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 5 and Title 67.

HB 951, the "Clean Energy and Jobs Act," creates two main programs to support renewable energy and sustainable business practices in Tennessee. It establishes a Clean Energy Workforce Training Grant Fund to provide grants for workforce development programs in clean energy, administered by the Department of Environment and Conservation. Additionally, it offers a 30% tax credit for renewable energy businesses (like solar or wind companies) and small businesses (with 50 or fewer employees) that purchase systems or equipment to develop renewable energy or implement eco-friendly practices (such as recycling or energy-efficient manufacturing). The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, and is currently under review by the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides 30% tax credit for renewable energy/small businesses and funds Clean Energy Workforce Training Grant, aligning with tax relief and program funding indicators.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates Clean Energy Workforce Training Fund and 30% tax credit for renewable energy businesses and sustainable small businesses95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates Clean Energy Workforce Training Fund and 30% tax credit for renewable energy businesses/sustainable small businesses, directly advancing clean energy adoption and environmental protection.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates Clean Energy Workforce Training Grant Fund for workforce development in clean energy, directly advancing employment opportunities and skills training.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Renewable Energy Solar Conservation Recycling Workforce Development

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SB 1246: Energy - As introduced, enacts the "Clean Energy and Jobs Act"; creates the Clean Energy Workforce Training Grant Fund; establishes a tax credit for certain systems, methods, improvements, structures, devices, or appliances used by renewable energy businesses, and small businesses to implement or improve the business's sustainable practices. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 5 and Title 67.

SB 1246, the "Clean Energy and Jobs Act," creates two key programs to support clean energy growth in Tennessee. It establishes the Clean Energy Workforce Training Fund to provide grants for job training in clean energy fields (like solar or wind), administered by the Department of Environment and Conservation. The bill also creates a 30% tax credit for renewable energy businesses (e.g., solar installers) and small businesses (50 or fewer employees) to offset sales/use tax paid on qualifying systems, devices, or sustainable practices - such as eco-friendly materials or recycling equipment. These provisions directly affect renewable energy companies and small businesses seeking to adopt greener operations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates 30% tax credit for renewable energy/small businesses and funds clean energy workforce training, providing tax relief and new budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates Clean Energy Workforce Training Fund and 30% tax credit for renewable energy businesses, directly advancing clean energy adoption and job creation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates Clean Energy Workforce Training Fund and 30% tax credit for renewable energy businesses to promote clean energy adoption and sustainable practices95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates Clean Energy Workforce Training Fund for job training in renewable energy fields, directly funding employment development in emerging sectors.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Credits Renewable Energy Solar Conservation Recycling Workforce Development

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