Tennessee Senator Introduces 'Sound Science' Bill - Articles

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Tennessee Senator Introduces 'Sound Science' Bill

Posted by: Jarod Word on Mar 12, 2025

Tennessee Sen. Shane Reeves, R-Murfreesboro, and Rep. Chris Todd, R-Jackson, have introduced a bill promoted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC) to block state agencies from creating new regulations unless these agencies can prove the proposed rule(s) are based on the "best available science." SB0880/HB0896 stipulates that all scientific and technical information supporting regulatory actions after July 1 must be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal that does not charge authors publication or submission fees. Reeves during a Senate Government Operations Committee meeting on Feb. 26 said he brought the bill, at USCC’s request, to "move away from public policy overreaction to events influencing environmental regulatory actions to promote stability for businesses." A USCC representative said the bill is aimed at the regulation of man-made chemicals, particularly PFAS, so that regulators are not acting on a "whim or pseudoscience." Todd has introduced an amendment that is being considered by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee. Currently, Tennessee has no set limits for certain types of PFAS in drinking water. The Chattanooga Times Free Press has more.