This Tennessee House resolution honors Sarah Houston, Executive Director of Protect Our Aquifer, and the organization itself for their work safeguarding the state's water supply. The measure formally recognizes Houston's leadership in advocating for the protection of the Memphis Sand Aquifer and commend the nonprofit's efforts in promoting environmental awareness and sustainable water policies. Passed unanimously by the House, the resolution serves as a public acknowledgment of their contributions to public health and environmental stewardship rather than enacting new laws or regulations.
This House Joint Resolution officially recognizes Tennessee Pollinator Week, which is observed annually from June 22 to 28. The bill honors the importance of pollinators like bees and birds for agriculture, ecosystems, and economic development in Tennessee. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the state's commitment to protecting pollinator habitats.
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.
This House Resolution honors the Memphis Community Against Pollution (MCAP) and its president, KeShaun Pearson, for their leadership in opposing a proposed crude oil pipeline in Southwest Memphis. The measure commemorates the fifth anniversary of the pipeline project's cancellation, recognizing the group's role in protecting local health, water quality, and environmental justice through community organizing. It formally acknowledges the organization's achievements and expresses appreciation for their continued advocacy on behalf of residents in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
This bill establishes the Southern Cumberland Plateau Regional Water and Wastewater Authority, a permanent public corporation designed to manage water and wastewater systems for Grundy County and the towns of Monteagle and Tracy City. The new entity will have the power to plan, build, operate, and maintain facilities for water supply, sewage treatment, and recycling, while also providing environmental services to the region. Governance is structured through a five-member board where each of the participating jurisdictions appoints one representative to ensure shared oversight. The Authority is authorized to issue bonds and other financial obligations to fund its projects, with specific rules for filling vacancies on the board to maintain balanced representation.
This bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally commends regulated trapping as an effective tool for wildlife management and conservation in Tennessee. It highlights how trapping helps maintain balanced ecosystems, protects endangered species, and controls populations of overabundant animals that cause damage to habitats. The resolution also acknowledges the economic and ecological benefits provided by licensed trappers, including contributions to the state's economy and support for federal wildlife programs. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not change existing laws but instead recognizes the role of trapping in responsible natural resource stewardship.
This bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors and commends the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists for its 69th annual meeting. It recognizes the organization's contributions to public welfare through leadership, advocacy, and applied research in environmental and engineering geology, including work on natural hazard assessment, environmental protection, and infrastructure design. The resolution specifically acknowledges the association's upcoming meeting in Chattanooga in September 2026, which will be the first time the group holds its annual gathering in Tennessee.
HB 2134 prohibits Tennessee municipalities and counties from disposing of solid waste in landfills outside their boundaries unless the host community (the county or city where the landfill is located) has signed a written agreement approving the disposal. This requirement applies to all new waste disposal contracts entered after July 1, 2026, and mandates agreements to cover duration, fees, truck routes, environmental protections, and public approval. Existing contracts in place before July 1, 2026, and waste disposal during emergencies declared by officials are exempt. The bill directly affects local governments managing waste disposal by requiring formal agreements with host communities before out-of-area landfill use.
HB 2118 redirects all state sales tax revenue from recreational vessels (including sailboats and non-motorized craft), vessel accessories (like trailers and life jackets), and wildlife-related outdoor goods (such as fishing rods, hunting gear, and ammunition) to the Wildlife Resources Fund starting July 1, 2026. This funding will cover the operational costs of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The bill specifically excludes existing tax allocations for education (from 1992) and infrastructure (from 2002) from this redirection. It affects businesses selling these recreational items and ensures dedicated funding for wildlife management programs.
SB 2175 requires Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation to prioritize water system projects in counties with fewer than 57,000 residents (based on the 2020 or later census) for consideration for loans from the water system revolving loan fund. It defines "rural county" as having a population below 57,000 and amends state law to automatically include such projects on the priority list. This change directly affects water infrastructure projects in smaller counties by ensuring they receive automatic consideration for funding. The bill modifies existing law to streamline access to loan programs for rural water systems without altering the fund's structure or funding levels.
