Tennessee Senate Bill SB0627

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 43; Title 44 and Title 69, relative to water pollution control.

Impact

If enacted, SB0627 would have significant implications for the state's water pollution control laws. By modifying the Tennessee Code Annotated, the bill could potentially alter the regulatory landscape, making it either more lenient or more stringent regarding water quality management. Ultimately, this could affect various stakeholders, including local governments, businesses, and environmental advocacy groups, depending on the specifics of the amendments and their enforcement.

Summary

Senate Bill 627, also referred to as SB0627, is a legislative proposal aimed at amending specific sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding water pollution control. The bill seeks to address and modify existing regulations outlined in Titles 4, 43, 44, and 69, with a primary focus on enhancing the state's capability to manage and mitigate water pollution issues. The amendment proposed by the bill suggests deleting a specific subdivision within Section 69-3-107, which may be intended to streamline or update the regulatory framework governing water quality and pollution control measures.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB0627 appears to be cautiously optimistic among some legislators and environmental groups who may view the bill as an opportunity to improve water quality regulations. However, there may also be concerns among critics who fear that deleting certain regulatory provisions might weaken water pollution control efforts, potentially putting water resources and public health at risk. This duality in sentiment indicates an ongoing debate regarding the balance between regulatory effectiveness and flexibility in environmental governance.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB0627 is the potential deletion of a subdivision in the existing code, which may be seen as either a necessary update or a detrimental rollback of important environmental protections. Legislative discussions may highlight differing opinions, with proponents arguing that the amendment will enhance regulatory efficiency, while opponents could express concerns that it may open the door to increased pollution and diminished public health safeguards. The need for thorough deliberation on these implications remains crucial as the bill progresses.