Environment (Conservation)

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

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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

in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 2583: Local Government, General - As introduced, creates the "Tennessee Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund," with monies from the fund to be expended for grants and loans to counties, municipalities, state agencies, and nongovernmental entities for improvement and restoration projects; creates the board of trustees for the trust fund. - Amends TCA Title 68 and Title 70.

HB 2583 creates the "Tennessee Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund" in the state treasury, which will provide grants and loans to counties, municipalities, state agencies, and qualifying nonprofits focused on conservation. The fund finances specific projects like improving state park trails, restoring agricultural lands for wildlife habitat, enhancing public access to waterways, and protecting wetlands or critical areas for clean water and recreation. Monies must be used for conservation-related purposes as defined in the bill, with unspent funds over $20 million reverting to the general fund annually. This bill establishes the fund’s structure, spending rules, and eligibility criteria without specifying budget amounts or future outcomes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated fund for conservation projects using state treasury monies, directing government spending toward environmental initiatives per bill's purpose.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates Tennessee Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund to fund conservation projects including wetland protection, habitat restoration, and park improvements, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Conservation Parks & Recreation Water Quality

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 2205: 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.

HB 2205 requires Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation to prioritize water system projects in rural counties (defined as those with under 57,000 residents based on the 2020 or later census) for loans from the water system revolving loan fund. This directly affects smaller counties struggling to fund water infrastructure improvements. The bill amends existing law to add these rural counties to the priority list, ensuring their projects are considered first for available loan funding. It does not create new money but changes how existing loan funds are allocated.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPrioritizes rural water infrastructure funding to improve environmental protection and water quality, aligning with conservation and pollution control goals under environmental policy.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 2190: Environmental Preservation - As introduced, enacts the "Climate Resilient Tennessee Act." - Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 68.

HB 2190, titled the "Climate Resilient Tennessee Act," creates a new Office of Resilience within the governor's office to coordinate climate resilience efforts across state agencies and local governments. The bill requires the office to develop a statewide resilience plan, provide technical guidance to departments, track progress on climate goals, and seek funding for projects addressing threats like flooding and extreme heat. It establishes a Governor-appointed Chief Resilience Officer to lead these efforts, ensuring state and local coordination on climate adaptation and risk mitigation.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates Office of Resilience to develop climate plan, seek funding for flood/heat projects, directly advancing environmental protection goals per bill title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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failed · Tennessee · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 2202: Environment and Conservation, Department of - As introduced, extends from two years to 27 months the amount of time that the commissioner has to designate the boundaries of a scenic river area following the addition of a river segment to the state scenic rivers system. - Amends TCA Title 11, Chapter 13 and Title 68, Chapter 211.

HB 2202 extends the deadline for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation commissioner to finalize boundaries of scenic river areas. It changes the timeframe from 24 months to 27 months after adding a river segment to the state scenic rivers system. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee Code (Title 11, Chapter 13 and Title 68, Chapter 211) to implement this timeline adjustment. This change directly affects the commissioner's process for designating scenic river boundaries under state environmental law.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends deadline for scenic river boundary designation, facilitating proper conservation process without weakening environmental protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SB 2552: Solid Waste Disposal - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Secondary Aluminum Waste Management Act." - Amends TCA Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 62, Chapter 9 and Title 68.

SB 2552, the Tennessee Secondary Aluminum Waste Management Act, regulates how secondary aluminum waste (like smelting byproducts and recycling dust) must be disposed of in landfills. It prohibits commingling this waste with municipal trash and requires dedicated landfill units (such as separate cells or monofills) for its disposal. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation must create rules for permitting these units, including standards for liners, groundwater protection, and monitoring. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, affecting landfill operators and secondary aluminum smelting facilities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates dedicated landfill units for aluminum waste with environmental safeguards (liners, groundwater protection), prohibiting commingling with municipal trash to prevent pollution and protect resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling Waste Management

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 2138: Public Funds and Financing - As introduced, requires that 10 percent of the payments paid to or retained by the state from the Tennessee valley authority in lieu of taxes be allocated to the wildlife resources fund and used for boating and wildlife resources purposes. - Amends TCA Title 11; Title 67; Title 69 and Title 70.

HB 2138 requires Tennessee to allocate 10% of payments received from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in lieu of taxes to the state's wildlife resources fund. This funding must be used specifically for boating and wildlife conservation programs under existing wildlife resource laws. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to state finance (Title 11), wildlife resources (Title 69), and the wildlife fund (Title 70). It takes effect on July 1, 2026, and directly affects the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, which will manage these dedicated funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirects 10% of existing TVA payments (in lieu of taxes) to wildlife fund for conservation programs, ensuring dedicated budget allocation for public services.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill allocates 10% of TVA payments to wildlife resources fund for boating/wildlife conservation programs, directly funding environmental protection under existing laws.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 2686: Environmental Preservation - As introduced, enacts the "Climate Resilient Tennessee Act." - Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 68.

SB 2686 creates the "Office of Resilience" within the governor's office to coordinate Tennessee's climate resilience efforts. The office will develop a statewide resilience plan, track progress on climate goals, coordinate with state agencies and local governments, and provide technical guidance for climate-related projects. It does not directly regulate businesses or residents but requires state departments to support these coordination efforts. The bill establishes a Chief Resilience Officer appointed by the governor to lead these initiatives, focusing on planning for climate threats like flooding and extreme heat.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates Office of Resilience to develop statewide climate plan, coordinate efforts, and track goals - proactively advancing environmental protection through structured planning and coordination.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2183: Public Funds and Financing - As introduced, requires that 10 percent of the payments paid to or retained by the state from the Tennessee valley authority in lieu of taxes be allocated to the wildlife resources fund and used for boating and wildlife resources purposes. - Amends TCA Title 11; Title 67; Title 69 and Title 70.

SB 2183 redirects 10% of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) payments in lieu of taxes that the state receives or retains to the Wildlife Resources Fund. This funding must be used specifically for boating and wildlife conservation projects managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to state finance (Title 11), TVA payments (Title 67), wildlife funding (Title 69), and the wildlife resources fund (Title 70). It takes effect July 1, 2026, ensuring a dedicated source of funding for state wildlife and boating infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects 10% of existing TVA payments (state revenue) to wildlife conservation fund, ensuring dedicated budget allocation for public services per bill's purpose.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRedirects 10% of TVA payments to Wildlife Resources Fund for boating/wildlife conservation projects, directly advancing natural resource protection and conservation efforts per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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