Energy (Renewable Energy)

SB 884 clarifies that local governments (like cities or counties) must accept 19 specific energy sources - including solar, wind, nuclear, natural gas, and biomass - as "clean or green energy" when setting requirements for public utilities. It requires these local rules to include all 19 sources as permissible, regardless of whether the government labels the rules as targeting "clean" or "renewable" energy. The bill amends Tennessee law to define "energy project" and "public utility" consistently across multiple code sections. This change ensures utilities comply with local energy rules by using any of the listed sources, without requiring local governments to explicitly classify their requirements as "clean energy" or "renewable energy."

HB 1143 clarifies that local governments (counties, cities) cannot restrict public utilities from using certain energy sources when creating regulations about clean or renewable energy. It requires all local energy requirements to include 19 specific sources as permissible, including solar, wind, nuclear power, natural gas, and biomass - regardless of how the local rule is worded. This directly affects municipal and county regulations governing utility energy sources and ensures utilities can comply by using any of the listed options. The bill amends multiple Tennessee code sections to define "clean or green energy" broadly and makes local rules that exclude these sources legally invalid.