HB 126 revises Tennessee's state natural areas by updating acreage descriptions for existing protected lands and designating four new natural areas. It increases protected acreage for sites like Barnett's Woods (from 40 to 156 acres) and adds new areas including Clifty Creek Gorge (89 acres protecting the federally threatened Virginia spirea), Rocky Hill (1 acre safeguarding the endangered running glade clover), Union Grove (59 acres preserving the Tennessee trillium), and Versailles Knob (40 acres protecting Braun's Rockcress). The bill directly affects conservation efforts by expanding legal protections for specific endangered species and habitats across Morgan, Rutherford, and Hamblen counties. Enacted on April 11, 2025, it formalizes these land designations without introducing new funding or regulatory requirements.
HB 1143 clarifies that local governments (counties, cities) cannot restrict public utilities from using certain energy sources when creating regulations about clean or renewable energy. It requires all local energy requirements to include 19 specific sources as permissible, including solar, wind, nuclear power, natural gas, and biomass - regardless of how the local rule is worded. This directly affects municipal and county regulations governing utility energy sources and ensures utilities can comply by using any of the listed options. The bill amends multiple Tennessee code sections to define "clean or green energy" broadly and makes local rules that exclude these sources legally invalid.
HB 801 removes a specific energy efficiency requirement for low-sloped roofs in Tennessee. It amends state law to clarify that the International Energy Conservation Code's roof solar reflectance and thermal emittance rules no longer apply to such roofs starting July 1, 2025. This change directly affects builders, developers, and homeowners constructing or renovating low-sloped roofs across Tennessee. The bill achieves this by adding a new provision to Tennessee Code Title 68, Chapter 120, eliminating the requirement without creating new rules. The law became effective April 3, 2025, with the policy change taking effect on July 1, 2025.
HB 1112 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to intentionally inject, release, or disperse chemicals into Tennessee's atmosphere with the purpose of altering weather, temperature, or sunlight intensity. It also criminalizes supplying materials for such activities. The law directly affects individuals or entities conducting weather modification within Tennessee, imposing a $100,000 fine per violation in addition to misdemeanor penalties. Enforcement will be handled by state agencies and prosecutors investigating credible reports of violations. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections governing weather modification and criminal penalties, effective July 1, 2025.
SB 283 would remove a renewal fee requirement for septic system installers in Tennessee. Specifically, it amends state law to prevent the department from requiring installers in good standing to pay a fee when renewing their license, while maintaining the initial fee needed to obtain the license. This change directly affects current and future licensed septic system installers who must renew their credentials. The bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.
HJR 171 is a procedural resolution confirming Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Michael Bittel of Knoxville to the Heritage Conservation Trust Fund Board of Trustees. The resolution formally approves Bittel's service on the board for a term ending October 31, 2027, as required by Tennessee law (TCA § 11-7-104(b)(2)). This appointment directly affects the board's composition and the oversight of Tennessee's heritage conservation trust fund, which manages land conservation funding. The resolution was unanimously passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on March 12, 2025.
SB 702 creates the "Climate Resiliency Fund" to finance projects addressing climate change impacts in Tennessee. It requires fossil fuel businesses (coal, oil, gas) operating between 1995 and 2025 to pay cost recovery fees based on their greenhouse gas emissions into the fund. The fund will support climate adaptation projects like flood protections, infrastructure upgrades, and healthcare programs, with priority given to communities designated as "environmental justice focus populations" (low-income, high-minority, or limited English proficiency areas). The bill defines specific eligible projects, including nature-based solutions, stormwater system improvements, and resilience planning for vulnerable infrastructure.
