TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Oct 7, 2024

The Tennessee Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee met last Thursday to discuss proposed changes to state wetlands regulations. David Salyers, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, told lawmakers that allowing unchecked development on Tennessee’s wetlands — which serve to absorb floodwaters and replenish aquifers — could lead to flooding that will cost taxpayers “millions and millions of dollars down the road." Developers, by contrast, criticized the department's recommendations for not going far enough to remove restrictions that increase project costs and timelines. Tennessee Lookout reports on the hearing.