Environment

passed · Tennessee · House Apr 23, 2026

HR 295: Memorials, Recognition - Sarah Houston -

This Tennessee House resolution honors Sarah Houston, Executive Director of Protect Our Aquifer, and the organization itself for their work safeguarding the state's water supply. The measure formally recognizes Houston's leadership in advocating for the protection of the Memphis Sand Aquifer and commend the nonprofit's efforts in promoting environmental awareness and sustainable water policies. Passed unanimously by the House, the resolution serves as a public acknowledgment of their contributions to public health and environmental stewardship rather than enacting new laws or regulations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill honors leadership in safeguarding water supply and promoting sustainable water policies, directly supporting environmental protection.95% confidence

Track

signed · Tennessee · House May 1, 2026

HJR 1394: Memorials, Recognition - Tennessee Pollinator Week -

This House Joint Resolution officially recognizes Tennessee Pollinator Week, which is observed annually from June 22 to 28. The bill honors the importance of pollinators like bees and birds for agriculture, ecosystems, and economic development in Tennessee. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the state's commitment to protecting pollinator habitats.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill recognizes Pollinator Week to honor pollinators vital for ecosystems and agriculture, signaling state commitment to protecting habitats.75% confidence

in committee · Tennessee · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 2730: Grundy County - Subject to local approval, creates the Southern Cumberland Plateau Regional Water and Wastewater Authority. -

This bill creates the Southern Cumberland Plateau Regional Water and Wastewater Authority, a new public entity designed to manage water and wastewater systems in Grundy County and surrounding areas. The Authority will have the power to plan, build, operate, and maintain facilities for water supply, sewage treatment, and recycling, while also selling water and providing environmental services. Governance of the Authority is structured to include representatives from Grundy County, the towns of Monteagle and Tracy City, and two specific utility districts, ensuring local input on decisions. The legislation allows the Authority to issue bonds to fund these projects and includes provisions for adding new member municipalities in the future.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates a regional authority to manage water supply, sewage treatment, and recycling, directly advancing environmental protection and resource conservation.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

Track

introduced · Tennessee · House Apr 23, 2026

HR 294: Memorials, Recognition - Memphis Community Against Pollution (MCAP) and President KeShaun Pearson -

This House Resolution honors the Memphis Community Against Pollution (MCAP) and its president, KeShaun Pearson, for their leadership in opposing a proposed crude oil pipeline in Southwest Memphis. The measure commemorates the fifth anniversary of the pipeline project's cancellation, recognizing the group's role in protecting local health, water quality, and environmental justice through community organizing. It formally acknowledges the organization's achievements and expresses appreciation for their continued advocacy on behalf of residents in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill honors group opposing pipeline to protect health, water, and environment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Environmental Justice Water Quality

Track

signed · Tennessee · House May 27, 2026

HB 2667: Grundy County - Subject to local approval, creates the Southern Cumberland Plateau Regional Water and Wastewater Authority. -

This bill establishes the Southern Cumberland Plateau Regional Water and Wastewater Authority, a permanent public corporation designed to manage water and wastewater systems for Grundy County and the towns of Monteagle and Tracy City. The new entity will have the power to plan, build, operate, and maintain facilities for water supply, sewage treatment, and recycling, while also providing environmental services to the region. Governance is structured through a five-member board where each of the participating jurisdictions appoints one representative to ensure shared oversight. The Authority is authorized to issue bonds and other financial obligations to fund its projects, with specific rules for filling vacancies on the board to maintain balanced representation.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly establishes an authority to manage wastewater systems, sewage treatment, and recycling, directly advancing environmental protection and resource conservation.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

passed · Tennessee · House Apr 23, 2026

HJR 1396: Memorials, Recognition - Trapping, effective wildlife management tool -

This bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally commends regulated trapping as an effective tool for wildlife management and conservation in Tennessee. It highlights how trapping helps maintain balanced ecosystems, protects endangered species, and controls populations of overabundant animals that cause damage to habitats. The resolution also acknowledges the economic and ecological benefits provided by licensed trappers, including contributions to the state's economy and support for federal wildlife programs. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not change existing laws but instead recognizes the role of trapping in responsible natural resource stewardship.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly commends trapping as a tool for wildlife management, ecosystem balance, and conservation, directly supporting environmental protection goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

Track

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 16, 2026

HJR 1248: Memorials, Recognition - Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists, 69th Annual Meeting -

This bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors and commends the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists for its 69th annual meeting. It recognizes the organization's contributions to public welfare through leadership, advocacy, and applied research in environmental and engineering geology, including work on natural hazard assessment, environmental protection, and infrastructure design. The resolution specifically acknowledges the association's upcoming meeting in Chattanooga in September 2026, which will be the first time the group holds its annual gathering in Tennessee.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill recognizes organization's work in environmental protection, natural hazard assessment, and applied research contributing to public welfare through environmental geology.75% confidence

in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 2134: Solid Waste Disposal - As introduced, prohibits municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions of this state from disposing, or contracting for the disposal of, solid waste in a landfill located outside their territorial boundaries unless the host county or host municipality in which the landfill is located has entered into a host community agreement approving such disposal; applies to all contracts entered into for the disposal of solid waste on or after July 1, 2026. - Amends TCA Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 68, Chapter 211.

HB 2134 prohibits Tennessee municipalities and counties from disposing of solid waste in landfills outside their boundaries unless the host community (the county or city where the landfill is located) has signed a written agreement approving the disposal. This requirement applies to all new waste disposal contracts entered after July 1, 2026, and mandates agreements to cover duration, fees, truck routes, environmental protections, and public approval. Existing contracts in place before July 1, 2026, and waste disposal during emergencies declared by officials are exempt. The bill directly affects local governments managing waste disposal by requiring formal agreements with host communities before out-of-area landfill use.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates environmental protections in waste disposal agreements, requiring host communities to approve disposal with safeguards, strengthening regulatory oversight for pollution prevention.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Waste Management

Track

in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 2118: Taxes, Sales - As introduced, allocates all revenue generated from the state sales tax on retail sales of recreational vessels, recreational vessel accessories, and wildlife-related outdoor recreational goods to the wildlife resources fund. - Amends TCA Title 11; Title 67; Title 69 and Title 70.

HB 2118 redirects all state sales tax revenue from recreational vessels (including sailboats and non-motorized craft), vessel accessories (like trailers and life jackets), and wildlife-related outdoor goods (such as fishing rods, hunting gear, and ammunition) to the Wildlife Resources Fund starting July 1, 2026. This funding will cover the operational costs of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The bill specifically excludes existing tax allocations for education (from 1992) and infrastructure (from 2002) from this redirection. It affects businesses selling these recreational items and ensures dedicated funding for wildlife management programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects existing sales tax revenue to fund wildlife agency operations, advancing fiscal management of dedicated tax streams without new taxes.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRedirects sales tax revenue to Wildlife Resources Fund for agency operations, directly funding conservation and wildlife management under environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Wildlife

Track

signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 2175: Water - As enacted, requires the department of environment and conservation to add water system projects located in counties having a population of less than 57,000 according to the 2020 census, or a subsequent census, to the priority list for consideration for loans from the water system revolving loan fund. - Amends TCA Title 68, Chapter 221.

SB 2175 requires Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation to prioritize water system projects in counties with fewer than 57,000 residents (based on the 2020 or later census) for consideration for loans from the water system revolving loan fund. It defines "rural county" as having a population below 57,000 and amends state law to automatically include such projects on the priority list. This change directly affects water infrastructure projects in smaller counties by ensuring they receive automatic consideration for funding. The bill modifies existing law to streamline access to loan programs for rural water systems without altering the fund's structure or funding levels.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPrioritizes funding for rural water infrastructure projects, advancing water protection and conservation under environmental regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water