Tennessee law

Environmental Laws in Tennessee.

Tennessee environmental law combines federal programs (RCRA, CERCLA, CWA, CAA) with state implementation through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Tennessee has substantial coal-ash remediation from the 2008 TVA Kingston coal-ash spill and ongoing issues. TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) — a federal corporation — is a major regulated utility in the state. Tennessee operates the Voluntary Cleanup Oversight and Assistance Program (VOAP) for brownfields.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Tennessee Statutes

Tennessee Water Quality Control ActTenn. Code § 69-3-101 et seq.

Authorizes TDEC to administer NPDES permitting and state water-quality programs under delegated CWA authority.

Tennessee Air Quality ActTenn. Code § 68-201-101 et seq.

Authorizes TDEC to administer air-quality programs under delegated CAA authority.

Hazardous Waste Management ActTenn. Code § 68-212-101 et seq.

Regulates hazardous waste under delegated RCRA authority. Includes state Superfund program for inactive hazardous waste sites.

Voluntary Oversight Assistance Program (VOAP)Tenn. Code § 68-212-225 et seq.

Voluntary program offering liability relief for parties performing TDEC-approved remediation of contaminated sites.

TVA (Federal Regulation)16 U.S.C. § 831 et seq.

Tennessee Valley Authority is a federal corporation regulating power generation and navigation across TN and surrounding states. Federal-state regulatory coordination is distinctive.

State law

Official Sources

TN Department of Environment and Conservation U.S. EPA

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.

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Environmental Laws in Tennessee.

Key Tennessee Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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