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SB 880

Administrative Procedure (UAPA) - As enacted, generally prohibits a governmental agency from adopting a rule or establishing numeric criteria or numeric limitations applicable to a contaminant, pollutant, hazardous substance, solid waste, or hazardous waste that relates to drinking water, water pollution control, hazardous substances, contaminated site remediation, air quality, or solid or hazardous waste handling unless certain conditions are met. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 5.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee prohibits environmental agencies from setting numeric pollution/contamination limits without meeting additional procedural conditions, effective July 1, 2025.

Pub. Ch. 228
#administrativeprocedure(uapa)
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Bill Summary · SB 880

Legislative bill overview

SB 880 restricts Tennessee governmental agencies from establishing numeric standards or limits for environmental contaminants, pollutants, hazardous substances, and waste without meeting specified procedural conditions. The bill modifies the state's Administrative Procedures Act and applies specifically to drinking water, water pollution, hazardous substances, site remediation, air quality, and waste management regulations.

Why is this important

Environmental regulations with numeric standards are the primary mechanism states use to protect public health and enforce federal environmental laws. This bill creates procedural barriers to setting or updating these standards, potentially affecting how quickly Tennessee responds to contamination threats, complies with federal Environmental Protection Agency requirements, and protects water and air quality. The measure takes effect July 1, 2025, and could influence ongoing and future environmental rulemaking.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal compliance risk: EPA-required standards may face delays or legal challenges if Tennessee's new procedural requirements conflict with federal environmental mandates and timelines
  • Public health protection speed: Additional procedural conditions could slow agency response to emerging contamination threats, chemical spills, or water quality crises requiring swift numeric limit adjustments
  • Regulatory predictability: Uncertainty about what procedural conditions agencies must meet may create litigation risks and inconsistent standard-setting across different environmental media (water, air, waste)

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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