Keesling's scenic-river bill tied over landfill concerns, fails in committee

The House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee debated House Bill 2202, a measure sponsored by Representative Keesling that would alter how scenic-river boundaries and related landfill siting are handled. Keesling argued the bill would protect sensitive waters — citing Bear Creek, a consultant letter dated 03/04/2026, and a National Park Service letter raising concerns about altered stream alignments — and warned that the proposed Transrail Related Services (TRS) landfill site sits directly across the road from Winfield Elementary School.

Committee members pressed the sponsor on permitting and ownership timelines, and several warned the bill could impinge on local autonomy and private-property rights. Representative Halsey asked whether TDEC had a “viable path” for recertification and whether the applicant had made a down payment; the chair reported the permit dates to 2010 and described option payments including a $250,000 down payment and two $50,000 option payments. Legal services briefed members on takings risks and drafting ambiguities. The committee voted the bill down as amended; the clerk recorded a tie (7 ayes, 7 nays) with two present not voting, and the measure did not advance.

What was at stake: The bill aimed to extend or clarify protections around scenic rivers and to address perceived environmental and public‑health risks near proposed landfill sites. Opponents argued the measure raised property-rights and legal-takings questions that deserved closer legal review before enactment.