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TWRA updates endangered/threatened species list; panel approves rule
Summary
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency presented a biennial rule update that incorporates the federal endangered species list as of Aug. 25, 2025, adds the teardrop darter to the state endangered list, and removes two species; committee approved the rule by voice and roll-call votes.
Blair Beatty, legislative director at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, presented the agency's biennial rule review and explained the package incorporates the federal endangered species list effective 08/25/2025 and updates the state-specific list with minor changes including adding the teardrop darter. "This rule does two things. It incorporates by reference those species listed by the federal endangered species list effective as of 08/25/2025, and it also updates the state specific list by making minor adjustments through the addition of the teardrop darter," Beatty said.
Senator Hatcher asked how many species are on the list; Josh Campbell, TWRA chief of biodiversity, said the rule has 143 species on it in addition to 104 federally listed species. Members also asked about penalties for harming listed species and noted funding shortfalls at TWRA; representatives suggested statutory changes to move responsibility to the Department of Environment & Conservation or to provide targeted funding (one suggestion was 0.1% of sales tax on sporting-goods items). After discussion and no public comment the committee moved a positive recommendation and the rule advanced.
