Bill > SB0880

This bill establishes new requirements for state agency rulemaking related to environmental regulations, specifically targeting rules about drinking water, water pollution, hazardous substances, air quality, and waste handling. The legislation mandates that any new agency rules establishing numeric criteria or limits for contaminants must be based on "best available science," which is defined as reliable, unbiased scientific information that maximizes the quality and objectivity of scientific studies. The bill requires that scientific evidence must establish a direct link to human bodily harm, and allows for scientific studies using animal testing or cell studies when human study data is unavailable. Acceptable scientific sources include site-specific studies, peer-reviewed journal publications, federal government reports, and certain Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contaminant levels. The bill does not apply to federal law-mandated rules, rules equivalent to federal regulations, agricultural or health department rules, or emergency rules. Importantly, these new requirements only apply to agency rules adopted on or after July 1, 2025, and must be more stringent than existing federal regulations. The primary intent appears to be ensuring that environmental regulations are grounded in rigorous, high-quality scientific research before being implemented.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0880&ga=114