Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House approves bill to designate much of Duck River a Class II scenic river
Summary
Speaker pro Tem Tim Marsh led passage of legislation designating remaining unprotected reaches of the Duck River and some tributaries as Class II Scenic Rivers, creating a two‑mile buffer and grandfathering some existing landfill permits; the floor adopted an amendment clarifying permit treatment and the bill passed on a recorded vote.
The Tennessee House on the floor passed a bill to designate much of the Duck River and several tributaries as Class II Scenic Rivers, a change supporters said will add a two‑mile buffer that prevents future landfills in protected stretches. Speaker pro Tem Tim Marsh, the bill’s sponsor, framed the measure as protecting a biodiverse waterway and drinking water for millions.
"I live on the Duck River, and it is a beautiful river. This bill is very important to me and the members of my community," Speaker pro Tem Tim Marsh said, urging passage. Marsh described an amendment that adds a grandfathering clause for landfills with valid permits within two miles of the river and said the bill does not change protections already enacted in Murray County.
Members debated scope and property‑rights language during floor discussion. Representative Todd pressed the sponsor on whether the bill would affect existing permits; Marsh replied the proposal was intended to exclude permits already in place. Representative Fritz expressed concern about how language could alter prior permit‑related protections but said he supported the bill’s conservation aims.
The chamber adopted a floor amendment clarifying the treatment of existing permits. As recorded in the transcript, the clerk announced the final tally for Senate Bill 15‑90 as 81 ayes, 5 nays and 7 present (not voting); the chair declared the bill passed. Supporters said the bill will protect habitat and drinking water while opponents raised questions about whether the drafting excluded some existing permits and how property owners would be affected.
Next steps: the bill, passed by the House, will proceed to the enrollment/engrossment process as provided by legislative rules.
