Tennessee Senate Bill SB2247

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 68, Chapter 211; Title 68, Chapter 221 and Title 69, relative to solid waste.

Impact

The modifications proposed by SB2247 impact various statutes that govern agricultural practices and solid waste management within the state. By delineating the permissible actions of counties based on their population, the bill effectively localizes authority for solid waste management in certain jurisdictions. This could potentially reduce conflicts between state-level guidelines and local regulatory efforts, promoting a clearer framework for how biosolids are managed. However, the bill may also lead to a patchwork of regulations across different counties, which could create challenges for consistency in policy application.

Summary

Senate Bill 2247 aims to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting the regulation of solid waste and the application of biosolids. The bill outlines that counties do not have the authority to prohibit or regulate normal agricultural activities but does introduce conditional provisions for counties with specific population metrics. These provisions grant certain counties the authority to manage the land application of biosolids, thus creating a delineation between state and local regulatory powers.

Contention

Bill discussions may center around the balance of power between state and local authorities. Critics could argue that the bill limits the ability of local governments to address unique environmental and public health concerns specific to their regions. The specifics of the population threshold highlighted in the bill also raise questions about equity and whether smaller counties are adequately represented in regulatory matters. Supporters may advocate that the bill facilitates better local management of biosolid applications, thus enhancing agricultural operations while ensuring environmental safety.