Environment (Conservation)

signed · Tennessee · House May 8, 2025

HB 612: Water Pollution - As enacted, expands from wetlands to all areas that an aquatic resource alteration permit may apply to the areas for which the department of environment and conservation is required to exempt from compensatory mitigation an amount of area equal in size to the area for which mitigation would not be required if the permit applicant qualified for coverage under a general permit, if the only factor that disqualifies an applicant for an aquatic resource alteration permit from having the activities for which a permit is sought covered under a general permit is the size of the area that the permit will apply to. - Amends TCA Title 69, Chapter 3.

HB 612 modifies Tennessee's water pollution permitting rules to exempt certain applicants from requiring compensatory mitigation. Specifically, if a project applicant would qualify for a general permit (covering routine activities) but is disqualified solely due to the project's size, the Department of Environment and Conservation must exempt them from needing to replace lost wetland or aquatic habitat. This applies to all areas covered by aquatic resource alteration permits, not just wetlands. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, streamlining permits for smaller projects that otherwise meet general permit criteria. This directly affects developers, contractors, and landowners seeking permits for water-related projects.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts projects from compensatory wetland mitigation requirements, reducing environmental protections for aquatic habitats.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality

in committee · Tennessee · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 664: Water Pollution - As enacted, expands from wetlands to all areas that an aquatic resource alteration permit may apply to the areas for which the department of environment and conservation is required to exempt from compensatory mitigation an amount of area equal in size to the area for which mitigation would not be required if the permit applicant qualified for coverage under a general permit, if the only factor that disqualifies an applicant for an aquatic resource alteration permit from having the activities for which a permit is sought covered under a general permit is the size of the area that the permit will apply to. - Amends TCA Title 69, Chapter 3.

SB 664 modifies Tennessee's water permit rules to exempt certain applicants from compensatory mitigation requirements. If a project applicant is denied coverage under a simplified "general permit" solely because of the project's size (not other factors), the Department of Environment and Conservation must exempt them from needing replacement wetlands or habitat for an area equal to what would be exempt under the general permit. This directly affects developers or landowners seeking permits for activities impacting water resources who are disqualified only by project scale. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to permits under Title 69, Chapter 3 of Tennessee law.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts developers from compensatory wetland/habitat mitigation requirements, weakening conservation mandates under water pollution rules.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality

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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

signed · Tennessee · Senate May 15, 2025

SB 670: Water Pollution - As enacted, requires the division of water resources in the department of environment and conservation, in collaboration with U.S. army corps of engineers, as necessary, to annually report information concerning compensatory mitigation provisions in aquatic resource alteration permits issued during the prior fiscal year to the governor, the comptroller of the treasury, and the chairpersons of the commerce committees; and to establish four categories of isolated wetlands for regulatory purposes; makes related changes. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 11, Chapter 14, Part 4; Title 66; Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 4 and Title 69.

SB 670 requires Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation to annually report on compensatory mitigation for aquatic permits to state officials, and establishes four regulatory categories for isolated wetlands. It also adds a new rule preventing the state from classifying property as a wetland unless it meets federal standards. The bill directly affects developers seeking permits for wetland alterations and state agencies managing environmental regulations. Key changes include mandatory reporting to the governor and legislature, and aligning state wetland rules with federal classifications, effective July 1, 2025.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill restricts state wetland classification to federal standards, limiting regulatory flexibility and preventing stricter state protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality

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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in committee · Tennessee · House May 15, 2025

HB 541: Water Pollution - As enacted, requires the division of water resources in the department of environment and conservation, in collaboration with U.S. army corps of engineers, as necessary, to annually report information concerning compensatory mitigation provisions in aquatic resource alteration permits issued during the prior fiscal year to the governor, the comptroller of the treasury, and the chairpersons of the commerce committees; and to establish four categories of isolated wetlands for regulatory purposes; makes related changes. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 11, Chapter 14, Part 4; Title 66; Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 4 and Title 69.

HB 541, now law as Public Chapter 437, requires Tennessee's environmental agency to align state wetland regulations with federal standards. It prohibits the state from classifying or regulating property as a wetland unless it is federally classified as such, directly affecting property owners and developers seeking permits. The bill also mandates annual reports to state leaders on compensatory mitigation (replacing damaged wetlands) for permits issued the previous year. Additionally, it establishes four new categories for regulating isolated wetlands, though specific definitions aren't detailed in the provided text. The law aims to reduce regulatory overlap between state and federal wetland rules.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill prohibits state from classifying/regulating wetlands unless federally classified, weakening state environmental protections and reducing regulatory authority beyond federal standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 12, 2025

HB 798: Environment and Conservation, Department of - As introduced, requires the department to make the catalog of materials on source reduction and recycling created by the department available on the department's website. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 68, Chapter 211.

HB 798 requires Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation to post its existing catalog of materials about source reduction and recycling on the department's public website. This bill directly affects the Department of Environment and Conservation by mandating online accessibility of these resources. The key provision is a simple administrative change: making the catalog available online without altering the content or creating new programs. The bill amends several sections of Tennessee law to implement this specific website posting requirement.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates online accessibility of existing environmental resource catalog, increasing public access to conservation information without altering content or regulations.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling

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