AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 69, Chapter 3, relative to permits.
Impact
The proposed legislative changes introduce significant implications for applicants seeking ARAPs. By allowing for an area equal in size to the exemption not to require mitigation, the bill supports individuals or entities whose permit applications might not meet existing strict size requirements but nonetheless aims to regulate aquatic resource management effectively. This change could potentially reduce the regulatory burden on small projects which may otherwise be highly impacted by the current mitigation requirements.
Summary
Senate Bill 664 (SB0664) aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated specifically addressing regulations surrounding aquatic resource alteration permits (ARAP). The bill proposes a crucial change concerning the circumstances under which compensatory mitigation would be required for applications pertaining to these permits. The existing law established stipulations based on the size of the area impacted; however, amendments outlined in SB0664 intend to provide exemptions from compensatory mitigation when the only disqualifying factor is the area size of the activities covered by a general permit.
Contention
While the bill presents a framework that aids in minimizing complications for permit seekers, discussions may arise regarding the broader impact of such exemptions. Stakeholders dedicated to environmental conservation may be concerned that relaxing mitigation requirements could lead to increased risks of environmental degradation or adverse effects on local ecosystems. The balance between permitting ease and maintaining robust environmental protections will be an essential point of contention as the bill progresses through the legislative process.