Environment (Conservation)

signed · Tennessee · Senate May 15, 2025

SB 438: Solid Waste Disposal - As enacted, creates the advisory task force on solid waste to examine and review issues related to solid waste; authorizes the department of environment and conservation to accept voluntary contributions, and to apply for grants, from private companies for grants for recycling infrastructure, recycling projects, and composting. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 11; Title 13; Title 20; Title 28; Title 39; Title 49; Title 54; Title 55; Title 59; Title 62; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 69.

SB 438 creates an advisory task force to examine solid waste management issues in Tennessee and authorizes the Department of Environment and Conservation to accept voluntary contributions and apply for private grants for recycling infrastructure, recycling projects, and composting initiatives. The bill requires the department to publish a report on its website regarding these efforts. It amends multiple sections of Tennessee law related to waste management, including provisions for grant funding and reporting. The bill became effective on May 9, 2025.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates advisory task force for solid waste management and authorizes funding for recycling/composting infrastructure, directly advancing environmental protection through waste reduction initiatives.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling Waste Management

in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 26, 2025

HB 1397: Environment and Conservation, Department of - As introduced, requires the department to create and maintain an informational tool on the department's website that provides data related to the presence of facilities that are required to submit toxic release inventory data to the environmental protection agency. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 59; Title 60; Title 68 and Title 69.

HB 1397 requires Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation to create a public online tool on its website by January 2026. The tool will let residents search for facilities within a 5-mile radius of their address that report chemical releases to the EPA under federal law, including pending construction or expansion projects. It will also allow users to sign up for notifications about new applications near their location and must be updated within 10 business days of receiving new data. This directly affects residents seeking information about potential chemical exposure risks and businesses subject to toxic release reporting requirements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires public access to toxic release data, enhancing transparency for pollution monitoring and community awareness per EPA reporting requirements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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introduced · Tennessee · House Feb 10, 2025

HB 994: Solid Waste Disposal - As introduced, changes from March 31 to February 1, the date by which each region must submit its annual report to the commissioner of environment and conservation for the immediately preceding calendar year that includes data on collection, recycling, transportation, disposal, public costs, and other information deemed relevant to solid waste planning and management. - Amends TCA Title 68 and Title 69.

HB 994 changes the deadline for Tennessee regions to submit annual solid waste reports from March 31 to February 1 each year. The bill requires regions to provide data on collection, recycling, transportation, disposal, public costs, and other relevant solid waste management information to the Environment Commissioner. This applies directly to all Tennessee regions responsible for waste planning and management under state environmental laws. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not alter the reporting requirements themselves.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates detailed annual reporting on recycling/disposal data for environmental oversight, strengthening waste management transparency under TCA Title 68/69.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling Waste Management

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 12, 2025

HB 834: Environment and Conservation, Department of - As introduced, prohibits the board of water and wastewater operator certification from delegating, by contract or other agreement, to a third-party its authority to determine minimum operator competency or to prepare examinations administered to applicants seeking operator certification; establishes requirements for such examinations and minimum scores required for issuance of a certificate. - Amends TCA Title 68, Chapter 221, Part 9.

HB 834 prevents Tennessee's Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Board from outsourcing exam creation, administration, or competency decisions to third parties through contracts or agreements. The bill requires the board to create standardized exams that measure required skills (including at least 10% state regulatory questions per classification), sets a 70% passing score for both total exam and regulatory questions, and bans collecting applicant demographic data (age, race, sex, or cultural background). It directly affects water and wastewater operators seeking certification in Tennessee by ensuring exams are developed and administered internally by the board. The law applies to all certification processes under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 68, Chapter 221, Part 9.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill ensures water/wastewater operator competency via standardized exams (70% pass rate, 10% regulatory questions), directly supporting environmental protection through regulatory integrity in water quality management.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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signed · Tennessee · House May 8, 2025

HB 125: Parks, Natural Areas Preservation - As enacted, requires a county or municipal government that receives a grant from the local parks land acquisition fund for a project located within a county designated as distressed or at-risk by the Appalachian Regional Commission at the time of the grant application to match the grant with an amount of money equal to 25 percent of the project, instead of requiring a match with an amount of money equal to the grant. - Amends TCA Section 67-4-409.

HB 125 modifies Tennessee's local parks land acquisition grant program by reducing the required local match for projects in Appalachian Regional Commission-designated distressed or at-risk counties. Specifically, it changes the rule from requiring a 100% local match (equal to the grant amount) to a 25% local contribution for these counties. This applies to county or municipal governments receiving grants under TCA Section 67-4-409 for projects located in designated areas. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, easing financial burdens for local governments in economically challenged regions seeking park land acquisitions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentReduces local financial burden for parks/natural areas preservation grants in designated counties, facilitating greater conservation funding and project implementation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 5, 2025

HJR 74: Constitutional Amendments - Proposes adding a provision establishing the right to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values of the state's environment. -

HJR 74 proposes adding a new constitutional right to Tennessee's Constitution, guaranteeing every resident the right to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic environmental values. It declares Tennessee's public natural resources as the common property of all people - including future generations - and requires the state to act as a trustee to conserve and maintain them for everyone's benefit. This resolution, currently under review by the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee, must be approved by the legislature and then ratified by voters to become part of the state constitution. If adopted, it would establish a foundational environmental right that could influence future state policies and legal interpretations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProposes constitutional right to clean air/water and preservation of natural resources, requiring state as trustee for conservation per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Conservation

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signed · Tennessee · Senate May 15, 2025

SB 207: Agriculture, Dept. of - As enacted, establishes a fund for the development and implementation of programs that benefit Tennesseans by preserving farmland and forestland, including a grant program for conservation easements. - Amends TCA Title 43, Chapter 1, Part 1.

SB 207 creates a new "farmland preservation fund" within Tennessee's state budget to support the long-term protection of agricultural and forested land. The fund provides grants to help farmers and foresters place permanent conservation easements on their property - legal agreements that prevent development while allowing farming or forestry activities. These grants can be awarded directly to landowners or to qualified nonprofit organizations (like 501(c)(3) groups) that hold the easements, with requirements including proof of the easement agreement and ongoing agricultural use. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture will manage the fund, and unspent money will carry forward annually instead of reverting to the general budget.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new state budget fund for farmland conservation grants, allocating state resources to preserve agricultural land through program funding.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentSB 207 establishes a farmland preservation fund with grants for conservation easements, directly protecting agricultural/forest land from development and conserving natural resources per bill's explicit purpose.95% confidence ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill preserves farmland via conservation easements, restricting land development that could otherwise be used for housing. This limits housing development, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.80% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Conservation Forestry Property Development

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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failed · Tennessee · House Feb 26, 2025

HB 681: Soil Conservation - As introduced, enacts the "Healthy Soil Act." - Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 43, Chapter 14.

HB 681, the "Healthy Soil Act," creates a state program within Tennessee's Department of Agriculture to support farming and land management practices that improve soil health. The bill establishes a "Healthy Soil Program" offering voluntary soil assessments, education, and grants to help farmers and ranchers adopt methods like cover cropping, no-till farming, compost application, and integrated livestock systems. It defines "healthy soil" as soil that boosts organic matter, carbon content, and water retention while providing technical assistance through local districts and USDA partners. The program aims to enhance soil productivity, profitability, and environmental benefits for agricultural landowners across Tennessee.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates state program funding soil conservation practices (cover cropping, no-till) that boost organic matter and carbon, directly advancing environmental protection and conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 13, 2025

HB 124: Environment and Conservation, Department of - As enacted, makes various changes related to fees set by the department for environmental regulatory programs; makes changes to the regulation of coal combustion residuals disposal units. - Amends TCA Title 68, Chapter 203, Part 1 and Title 68, Chapter 211, Part 1.

HB 124 amends Tennessee's environmental laws to adjust fees for regulatory programs and update rules for coal ash disposal. It increases certain fees (e.g., raising a fee from $18.75 to $38) and defines "coal combustion residuals" (coal ash from power plants) and "disposal units." The bill requires liners and final caps for new coal ash disposal facilities, with limited exceptions like agricultural use. It also creates a cost-recovery mechanism for the Department of Environment and Conservation to cover oversight costs of coal ash disposal, while exempting these units from standard fee structures. The bill became law as Public Chapter 399 on May 13, 2025.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires liners/final caps for coal ash disposal, strengthens regulatory standards, increases fees to fund environmental programs per amended TCA sections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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