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Panel backs Tennessee rule adding 12 plant species to endangered list; agency says additions guide land acquisition
Summary
The committee gave a positive recommendation to TDEC's routine three-year update adding 12 plants to Tennessee's endangered list, with staff noting additions guide land-acquisition priorities and environmental review; senators pressed for counts and seed-bank capacity.
The Joint Government Operations Committee unanimously recommended approval April 29 for a Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation rule that adds 12 plant species to the state's endangered-plant list and corrects scientific names.
Emma Uzley, assistant director of legislation for TDEC, told the committee the update is a routine three‑year review led by an advisory committee of botanists. "This particular update adds 12 new plants to the list as well as corrects the scientific names of other plants on the list," she said, and noted the agency received a public comment recommending two additional species, which the agency accepted.
Members pressed staff on details. "Can you tell me exactly how many plants are on the endangered species list?" Senator Hatcher asked; botanist Todd Crabtree said he did not have the exact number available but estimated it to be "somewhere around 40, 50, 60." On seed‑bank capacity, staff said Tennessee does not have a statewide seed bank beyond efforts at Austin Peay State University and a strategic grasslands initiative that stores seeds for restoration projects, and that the agency partners with national botanical gardens for federally listed species.
Uzley and Crabtree emphasized that private landowners retain property rights. "Landowners own the plants," Crabtree said, and TDEC staff explained acquisitions require willing sellers and are targeted to sites where multiple rare plants exist.
After questions, the committee voted to move the rule with a positive recommendation; the Senate roll showed nine in favor and zero opposed. TDEC plans to provide follow-up data to members who requested the exact total of listed species and records of prior delistings.
