Tennessee House Bill HB1771

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/11/24
• Refer: 2/26/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 68, Chapter 204, relative to the state energy policy council.

Impact

The impact of HB1771 is expected to be significant as it modifies existing statutory language that governs the state energy policy council. By altering the foundational statutes that dictate energy policy in Tennessee, this bill aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of energy regulations. It reflects a strategic movement towards prioritizing comprehensive energy policy management to better address Tennessee's energy needs, including sustainability, resource management, and regulatory efficiency. The amendments are positioned within the context of growing national discussions on energy efficiency and sustainability, potentially positioning Tennessee as a proactive state in the realm of energy legislation.

Summary

House Bill 1771 proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 68, Chapter 204, to address the structure and powers of the state energy policy council. The bill seeks to repeal subdivision (34) of Section 4-29-245(a) and insert new provisions concerning the state energy policy council in Section 4-29-251(a). This signifies a legislative intent to refine the governance and oversight of energy policies in the state of Tennessee. The proposed amendments indicate that the state is looking to enhance its approach towards energy management and potentially reform how energy policies are crafted and executed at the state level.

Contention

While specific points of contention surrounding HB1771 were not detailed in the available texts, any substantial amendments to existing state energy policies typically provoke diverse opinions among stakeholders, including environmental groups, energy companies, and governmental agencies. Concerns may arise regarding the implications of repealing existing provisions, the authority of the newly defined state energy policy council, and how these changes may affect local governance and initiatives related to energy management. Stakeholders may debate whether these amendments will facilitate progress in energy management or merely shift regulatory powers without addressing underlying issues in the energy sector.