Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources

SB 1793 requires Tennessee's Department of General Services and Department of Environment and Conservation to submit annual reports on their recycling activities to the state legislature by December 31 each year. The bill amends Tennessee law (specifically Titles 4, 5, 6, 7, and 68) to establish this reporting requirement for these two state departments. It does not change recycling practices or set new environmental standards, only mandating annual transparency on existing recycling efforts. The bill is procedural and focuses solely on reporting obligations, with no new policy changes for the public or businesses.

SB 855 changes a procedural deadline for municipal utility boards in Tennessee. It increases the time allowed for newly appointed board members to elect a chair from 10 calendar days to 10 business days. The bill specifically amends Section 7-52-110(b) of Tennessee Code to reflect this change, affecting boards appointed under the Municipal Electric Plan Law of 1935. This is a purely procedural adjustment with no direct impact on utility rates, services, or the public.

This bill creates the Southern Cumberland Plateau Regional Water and Wastewater Authority, a new public entity designed to manage water and wastewater systems in Grundy County and surrounding areas. The Authority will have the power to plan, build, operate, and maintain facilities for water supply, sewage treatment, and recycling, while also selling water and providing environmental services. Governance of the Authority is structured to include representatives from Grundy County, the towns of Monteagle and Tracy City, and two specific utility districts, ensuring local input on decisions. The legislation allows the Authority to issue bonds to fund these projects and includes provisions for adding new member municipalities in the future.

SB 639 increases the advance notice period for meetings of Tennessee's Board of Water Quality, Oil, and Gas from five to seven days. This change applies directly to board members, requiring organizers to notify them seven days in advance of all regular or special meetings. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law (TCA Titles 7, 63, 65, 68, and 69) to implement this updated notice requirement. The policy change is procedural, focusing solely on meeting scheduling transparency without altering substantive water or resource regulations.

SB 2528 expands the Ocoee River recreation and economic development fund's allowed uses to include tourism promotion, infrastructure upgrades, and other board-approved expenses. It replaces the park manager position on the fund's board with the director of the division of state parks, effective July 1, 2026. The bill also reduces the maximum number of commercial permits for river operations from 24 to 12 after July 1, 2026, and restricts permit transfers to immediate family or business purchasers only. These changes directly affect commercial operators, local tourism efforts, and the governance of the Ocoee River management zone.