Tennessee House Bill HB2733

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 105, relative to blasting.

Impact

The amendment would require the state’s Department overseeing blasting activities to take proactive steps in making information available to the public. This is a significant shift as it promotes greater accountability and oversight of blasting operations, which can pose risks to surrounding communities if not conducted properly. By facilitating easier access to such information, the bill could potentially lead to increases in public scrutiny and involvement regarding the impacts of blasting on local environments and public health.

Summary

House Bill 2733 seeks to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 68, Chapter 105, which relates to blasting activities. The bill proposes that the Department responsible for these activities should publish notices received in accordance with the existing regulations on their website, ensuring that these notices are accessible to the public. This change aims to enhance transparency and public awareness regarding blasting activities conducted within the state, particularly in areas where such actions might affect community safety and environmental conditions.

Contention

As with many regulatory amendments, opinions may vary regarding the implications of this bill. Supporters of HB2733 are likely to argue that increased public access to information on blasting operations is essential for community safety and environmental conservation. However, there may also be concerns from industries engaged in blasting, who could feel that mandatory disclosures could lead to delays or complications in their operations, resulting in additional costs. As the bill progresses, it will be important to consider potential pushback from stakeholders directly involved in blasting as well as affected community members.