SB 1033 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to intentionally inject, release, or disperse chemicals into Tennessee's atmosphere with the purpose of altering weather, temperature, or sunlight intensity. It also prohibits supplying materials used for such weather modification activities. Violators face up to 11 months in jail and a $100,000 fine per violation. The bill explicitly targets intentional weather manipulation, affecting anyone conducting such actions within Tennessee, and amends state codes to include weather modification under relevant agency responsibilities and enforcement provisions.
HB 230 extends the existence of Tennessee's air pollution control board until June 30, 2031, preventing it from automatically ending under sunset provisions. The bill updates two sections of Tennessee law (Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 68, Chapter 201) to clarify the board's legal foundation and ensure its continued operation. This change directly affects how air pollution regulation is governed in Tennessee, maintaining the board's authority to oversee emissions standards and enforcement. The bill does not create new environmental rules but preserves the existing structure for air quality management. (Note: The bill became law on March 21, 2025.)
SB 51 extends the Tennessee Air Pollution Control Board's existence until June 30, 2031, by amending two sections of Tennessee law (TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 68, Chapter 201, Part 1). It removes an outdated reference to an automatic expiration and clarifies the board's legal foundation under existing statutes. This change ensures the board can continue regulating air pollution without requiring new legislation before 2031. The bill directly affects the board and the state's environmental oversight process.
SB 1206 creates a state grant program called the Urban Green Space Development Fund to help local governments and nonprofits purchase or protect green spaces (like parks and community gardens) in urban areas. The fund provides grants for land acquisition and protective agreements, requiring nonprofits to contribute matching non-state funds. It also authorizes a separate program to support community-led projects that reduce air pollution. The bill establishes clear rules for grant eligibility, matching requirements, and perpetual land use restrictions to ensure projects serve public recreational and environmental needs.
HB 950, if enacted, would create an Urban Green Space Development Fund to provide state grants for purchasing or protecting green spaces (like parks, community gardens, and natural areas) in urban areas defined by U.S. Census data. Local governments and private nonprofits could apply for grants to acquire land or permanent protections (such as conservation easements), requiring them to contribute matching funds from non-state sources. The bill also establishes a separate program to incentivize community-led projects that reduce air pollution. These grants would require recipients to grant perpetual easements restricting land use to green space purposes and undergo state audits.
HB 1112 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to intentionally inject, release, or disperse chemicals into Tennessee's atmosphere with the purpose of altering weather, temperature, or sunlight intensity. It also criminalizes supplying materials for such activities. The law directly affects individuals or entities conducting weather modification within Tennessee, imposing a $100,000 fine per violation in addition to misdemeanor penalties. Enforcement will be handled by state agencies and prosecutors investigating credible reports of violations. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections governing weather modification and criminal penalties, effective July 1, 2025.
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.
