Environment

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

failed · Tennessee · House Feb 26, 2025

HB 716: Environmental Preservation - As introduced, enacts the "Climate Resiliency Fund Act." - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 5; Title 9; Title 60; Title 67 and Title 68.

HB 716, the "Climate Resiliency Fund Act," would create a state fund financed by fossil fuel businesses (such as coal, oil, and gas extractors/refiners) operating in Tennessee between 1995 and 2025. The fund would require these entities to pay "cost recovery" fees based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions, with proceeds directed toward climate adaptation projects. Key projects include flood protections, infrastructure upgrades (roads, bridges, sewage systems), nature-based solutions, and healthcare programs addressing climate-driven health risks like heat waves. The bill mandates that at least 50% of funds support "environmental justice focus populations," defined as communities with high poverty rates, minority populations, or limited English proficiency. This is a policy change establishing a new funding mechanism for climate resilience, not a procedural measure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new state fund financed by fossil fuel fees, directing proceeds to climate adaptation projects like infrastructure upgrades, aligning with budget funding for essential programs.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds climate adaptation projects via fossil fuel fees, directly advancing environmental protection through emission-based cost recovery.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds infrastructure upgrades including roads and bridges via Climate Resiliency Fund, directly advancing transportation infrastructure projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Coastal & Flood Protection Environmental Justice Vehicle Registration

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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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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Jun 4, 2025

SB 1442: Tipton County - Subject to local approval, establishes litter abatement and control requirements. -

SB 1442 establishes specific litter abatement rules for Tipton County, Tennessee, directly affecting residents, businesses, contractors, and event organizers. It requires all refuse to be contained in secure, closed containers (with wet garbage in waterproof bags), prohibits open dumping or littering in public spaces, and mandates regular cleanup at construction sites, vacant lots, and parking areas. Violations carry daily fines of $25-$50, and the law specifies the county landfill as the sole disposal site for most waste, banning unauthorized dumpsites. The bill requires approval by Tipton County’s legislative body before taking effect.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates litter control measures to reduce pollution and protect public spaces, directly aligning with environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Waste Management

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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 · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SB 1101: Taxes, Exemption and Credits - As introduced, creates tax exemption for portions of property that provide tree canopy cover in counties whose local governing bodies elect to create the exemption. - Amends TCA Title 5; Title 6 and Title 67, Chapter 5.

SB 1101 allows Tennessee counties to create a property tax exemption for portions of real property covered by tree canopy, as defined by specific measurement methods (including aerial imagery or field surveys). Property owners in participating counties can apply for this exemption, which applies only to the canopy-covered area (not the entire property), with the exemption value determined by county agencies. The exemption requires annual renewal, is not transferable, and property owners must report changes affecting canopy coverage to maintain the tax break.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates property tax exemption for tree canopy coverage, providing tax relief to eligible property owners, aligning with tax relief indicators for 'support' stance.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates tax incentive for tree canopy cover, promoting urban forestry and carbon sequestration to protect environment through property tax exemptions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Sales Tax Tax Incentives

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signed · Tennessee · House May 27, 2025

HB 1133: Taxes - As enacted, allows nuclear energy production facilities to seek pollution control tax credits for certain machinery and equipment. - Amends TCA Title 67.

HB 1133 amends Tennessee's tax code to allow nuclear energy production facilities to claim pollution control tax credits for specific machinery and equipment, expanding an existing program previously limited to wind energy. This change directly affects nuclear power plants in Tennessee by providing them with a new financial incentive to invest in pollution control technology. The bill modifies Section 67-4-2004(9)(A) of the Tennessee Code to explicitly include nuclear facilities alongside wind energy sources. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly expands tax credits for nuclear facilities under pollution control program, directly modifying tax code to provide financial incentive for compliance with environmental standards.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill provides tax credits for nuclear pollution control tech, incentivizing clean energy infrastructure investment. Nuclear aligns with low-carbon energy policies per topic description.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands pollution control tax credits to nuclear facilities, incentivizing reduced emissions through financial support for pollution control technology.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Nuclear Wind

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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