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Committee advances bill to create statewide subterranean transportation authority after sharp testimony from Nashville council members
Summary
The House Transportation Committee advanced House Bill 24‑50, which would create a statewide authority to coordinate subterranean tunnel systems; Metro council members Brenda Gadd and Dr. Sandy Ewing testified in opposition citing safety, environmental and ADA concerns. The committee voted 17–3 to send the bill to Government Operations.
Representative Garrett, the bill sponsor, told the committee that House Bill 24‑50 "creates what is referred to as the subterranean transportation infrastructure coordination authority for subterranean travel," a statewide legal framework for planning, permitting and construction of tunnels intended for electric or autonomous vehicles.
Two Metro Council members testified against the measure. Brenda Gadd said the Metro Council had already "voted on a resolution opposing the Music City Loop," and said the council’s position and reasoning were being presented to the committee. Dr. Sandy Ewing, who identified herself as vice chair of Nashville’s transportation and infrastructure committee, said the proposal raised "serious concerns," citing reported worker‑safety incidents and the environmental review’s reliance in part on internal company documents. Ewing quoted an outside remark she said was made by the company’s founder: "environmental regulations are, in my view, largely terrible," and said that approach is at odds with protecting water resources and habitat in Nashville.
Members pressed witnesses and the sponsor on local notification, impacts on karst geology and groundwater, emergency access and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. Ewing warned that proposed egress points "as far as 2,500 feet apart" would make evacuation and ADA access difficult. Representative Marsh and others noted projects can have injuries but said they were concerned about a documented pattern of safety and compliance issues at the company behind the Music City Loop. Representative Garrett defended the bill as a neutral, statewide framework applicable to any operator and said proponents expect no net cost to taxpayers for the authority.
After debate, committee leadership called the previous question and the clerk reported the final tally as 17 ayes and 3 noes; the committee reported the bill out and sent it to Government Operations for further consideration. The committee record shows members asked for follow‑up on fiscal arrangements with airport and emergency‑response planning; staff follow‑up was requested.
