Bill > HB1143

This bill expands the definition of permissible energy sources for political subdivisions in Tennessee, requiring that any local ordinance or regulation related to clean, green, or renewable energy must include a comprehensive list of 19 different energy sources. These sources range from traditional renewables like solar and wind to less conventional options such as nuclear power, natural gas, hydrogen fuel, waste-to-energy facilities, industrial byproduct technologies, and waste heat recovery systems. The bill specifically mandates that a public utility (which includes entities regulated by the Tennessee board of utility regulation and county or municipal utilities) can meet local energy requirements by using one or more of these 19 specified sources, regardless of how the local regulation classifies the energy requirements. Furthermore, the bill declares that any local ordinance that does not comply with this expanded definition of permissible energy sources is void and against public policy. The changes to the law aim to provide more flexibility and inclusivity in how local governments and utilities approach energy infrastructure and sustainability, potentially preventing overly restrictive local regulations on energy sources.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1143&ga=114