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HB 613

Environment and Conservation, Department of - As introduced, requires the department to submit an annual report regarding the number of applications filed pursuant to the Water Quality Control Act; requires the department to include information on the mechanism of compensatory mitigation provided for in permits that are required to have a provision for adequate compensatory mitigation; requires additional information when the mechanism of compensatory mitigation is an in-lieu fee program or mitigation banking. - Amends TCA Title 69.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Kevin Vaughan

Requires annual reporting on Water Quality Control permits and compensatory mitigation mechanisms, including details on in-lieu fee and mitigation banking programs in Tennessee.

P2C, ref. to Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee
#departmentof #environmentandconservation
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Bill Summary · HB 613

Legislative bill overview

HB 613 requires Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation to submit annual reports detailing Water Quality Control Act permit applications and the compensatory mitigation mechanisms used in those permits. The bill mandates additional reporting specifics when mitigation occurs through in-lieu fee programs or mitigation banking arrangements.

Why is this important

Compensatory mitigation is a key environmental protection tool requiring permit applicants to offset ecological damage (such as wetland loss) through restoration or payment programs. Transparent annual reporting on how many permits use which mitigation types helps legislators, agencies, and the public assess whether environmental protections are being adequately implemented and identifies potential gaps in enforcement.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden: The reporting requirement adds compliance costs to the Department of Environment and Conservation without appropriated funding, potentially diverting resources from active permit review and enforcement
  • Data specificity: Defining what constitutes adequate reporting on in-lieu fees and mitigation banking—including financial tracking and actual ecological outcomes—could be complex and disputed
  • Transparency vs. proprietary concerns: Detailed permit information may conflict with applicants' desires to keep financial arrangements or mitigation strategies confidential

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

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