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SB 670

Water Pollution - As enacted, requires the division of water resources in the department of environment and conservation, in collaboration with U.S. army corps of engineers, as necessary, to annually report information concerning compensatory mitigation provisions in aquatic resource alteration permits issued during the prior fiscal year to the governor, the comptroller of the treasury, and the chairpersons of the commerce committees; and to establish four categories of isolated wetlands for regulatory purposes; makes related changes. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 11, Chapter 14, Part 4; Title 66; Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 4 and Title 69.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Brent Taylor

Requires Tennessee to annually report on wetland permit mitigation and establish four regulatory categories for isolated wetlands, with reporting to governor and legislature.

Pub. Ch. 437
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Bill Summary · SB 670

Legislative bill overview

SB 670 requires Tennessee's Division of Water Resources to annually report on compensatory mitigation provisions in aquatic resource alteration permits and establishes four regulatory categories for isolated wetlands. The bill mandates collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and reporting to the governor, comptroller, and legislative commerce committees.

Why is this important

Wetlands provide critical ecosystem services including water filtration, flood control, and wildlife habitat. This bill creates standardized regulatory categories for isolated wetlands and establishes accountability measures through annual reporting, which could improve transparency in how environmental damage is offset through mitigation requirements.

Potential points of contention

  • Mitigation effectiveness: Annual reporting on "compensatory mitigation" doesn't guarantee that required environmental offsets are actually effective—developers might fulfill requirements without genuinely restoring ecological function
  • Isolated wetlands definition: Establishing four regulatory categories could either strengthen protection or create loopholes if categories are defined too narrowly, potentially allowing development in sensitive areas
  • Implementation costs: Annual reporting requirements add administrative burden to the Division of Water Resources without specified funding, potentially straining state resources

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

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