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.
SB 1274 updates Tennessee's environmental fee structure and regulates coal combustion residuals (like ash from power plants). It increases fees for regular landfill permits ($10,000) and annual maintenance ($15,000), while excluding coal ash disposal units from these charges. The bill requires new liners and caps for coal ash disposal facilities (except for specific uses like agricultural or engineering applications) and allows the Department of Environment and Conservation to recover regulatory costs for coal ash units through capped fees. These changes directly affect power plants, waste management facilities handling coal ash, and environmental regulatory programs.
SB 113 amends Tennessee law to give the state Department of Environment and Conservation commissioner authority to issue variances (exceptions) for subsurface sewage disposal systems, overriding stricter local requirements in certain cases. It directly affects county health departments implementing these systems and property owners needing sewage solutions. The key provision allows the commissioner to grant variances that supersede local rules, while requiring these variances to be recorded with the county register of deeds. This change streamlines state oversight for sewage systems without requiring local approval.
SB 258 clarifies that facilities installing only water softening devices (for hard water) do not become public water systems under Tennessee law, even if the device causes them to meet the definition. It specifically excludes such softening systems from public water system requirements, meaning these facilities are not required to monitor water quality unless they otherwise qualify as a public water system. If a softening system causes a facility to meet the public water system definition, it must monitor hardness, alkalinity, pH quarterly and sodium annually, reporting results to the Department of Environment and Conservation within 15 days of each quarter. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 68 and takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 801 removes a specific energy efficiency requirement for low-sloped roofs in Tennessee. It amends state law to clarify that the International Energy Conservation Code's roof solar reflectance and thermal emittance rules no longer apply to such roofs starting July 1, 2025. This change directly affects builders, developers, and homeowners constructing or renovating low-sloped roofs across Tennessee. The bill achieves this by adding a new provision to Tennessee Code Title 68, Chapter 120, eliminating the requirement without creating new rules. The law became effective April 3, 2025, with the policy change taking effect on July 1, 2025.
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.
SB 283 would remove a renewal fee requirement for septic system installers in Tennessee. Specifically, it amends state law to prevent the department from requiring installers in good standing to pay a fee when renewing their license, while maintaining the initial fee needed to obtain the license. This change directly affects current and future licensed septic system installers who must renew their credentials. The bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.
