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Tennessee Wetlands
The Importance of Tennessee's Wetlands
Wetlands play a critical role in maintaining a healthy and robust way-of-life for all Tennesseans. Among their many benefits, protected wetlands:
Having already lost up to 60% of our state’s wetlands, we cannot afford to lose any more of these wonderful and productive ecosystems.
What's going on?
Harpeth Conservancy is working with communities and partners across the state to secure statewide protections for wetlands and improve the regulatory/permitting process. Right now, we’re reviewing bills and following the 2025 session of the Tennessee State Legislature.
Interested in learning more? Email Marie at mariecampbell@harpethriver.org.
Keep reading for a timeline of what’s going on with Tennessee’s wetlands!
In May 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Sackett v EPA narrowed the definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS). The ruling states that wetlands must have a "continuous surface connection" to a navigable water or a relatively permanent body of water to be subject to federal regulation. Wetlands that are not connected in this way are considered "isolated wetlands" and are regulated only at the state level, if at all.
The May 2023 ruling also emphasized that states are primarily responsible for regulating water resources. Tennessee's Water Quality Control Act (1971) has been stable and effective for over fifty years. This statute prohibits the discharge of pollution to all "waters" and defines "waters" broadly to give jurisdiction to the state over waters that are not jurisdictional under federal law. Simply put, the state of Tennessee currently provides broad protections for wetlands, notably including "isolated wetlands," even though their federal protections have been newly limited by the Sackett v EPA ruling.
In the 2024 session of the Tennessee State Legislature, with federal safeguards for isolated wetlands eliminated, legislators filed a bill (HB1054/SB0631) attempting to adopt the newly limited federal definition of protected wetlands, removing protections from 55% of our remaining wetlands in the state.
In May 2024, in preparation for the Senate "Summer Study," TDEC began a stakeholder engagement process to gain a deeper understanding of the concerns, priorities, and suggestions on how geographically isolated wetlands should be regulated in Tennessee.
On October 3, 2024, TDEC presented their report and recommendations to the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee during their 2-hour, jam-packed “Summer Study.”
HB0541 was filed for introduction in the House on 1/29/2025. SB0670 was filed for introduction in the Senate on 1/31/2025. Read more about the bill here: HB0541 Bill Information
Bill Summary:
Water Pollution - As introduced, prohibits the Department of Environment and Conservation from applying criteria that will result in the classification of real property as a wetland, or otherwise regulating real property as a wetland, unless the property is classified as a wetland under federal law.
Read more about the bill here: Bill Information
Amendment: Amendment 5284 to HB0541
Read more the fiscal note: Fiscal Note
Previously passed Senate Energy, Ag and Natural Resources Committee- TBD Finance, Ways & Means Committee
Wednesday, March 26:
3:00 PM CST - House Ag and Natural Resources Subcommittee
Agenda: View Agenda
Video: Watch Live
National Association of Wetland Managers
Wetlands:
Changing the Narrative
About The Project
Wetlands: Changing the Narrative highlights the vital role wetlands play in supporting communities, ecosystems, and livelihoods. This initiative showcases the efforts of hunters, anglers, ranchers, and small family farmers who depend on healthy wetlands and are actively working to protect them. This series, launching in Tennessee, will explore how individuals are making a lasting impact through stewardship, science, engineering, and dedication. Through their stories, we aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for wetlands and the essential role they play in preserving our natural heritage.
National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM): For over 40 years, the National Association of Wetland Managers has been dedicated to protecting and restoring the nation’s wetlands through science-based policy, education, and collaboration. NAWM works with federal, state, and tribal agencies, conservation groups, and local communities to advance wetland management, ensuring these critical ecosystems remain healthy and resilient. Through research, training, and advocacy, NAWM empowers decision-makers and practitioners to safeguard wetlands for future generations.
Wide Awake Films (Kansas City, MO): For more than 20 years the team at Wide Awake has produced award winning films for television, museums, streaming, and commercial clients. Their clients run the gamut, including PBS, John Deere, The National Park Service, and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Press & Media Coverage
Conservation Bills to Watch in 2025
Discussion on important conservation policies that could impact Tennessee in 2025, featuring expert insights and legislative updates.
Click the image to watch the video.
News Articles (2023-Present)
By Anita Wadhwani, Tennessee Lookout
“State lawmakers are considering a rollback of protections for nearly half a million acres of wetlands in Tennessee, a proposal that is raising concerns over its potential to worsen flooding, deplete and degrade drinking water…”
“If the bill passes, experts say a small number of people will make short-term profits while causing long-lasting harm to communities and ecosystems. ‘The legislature is in this position, when this bill is in front of them…’
“Developers linked to a building boom near the new Ford plant in Tennessee are advocating for less stringent wetland rules, potentially impacting the local ecosystem and water quality…”
“An analysis of Tennessee’s home building industry reveals a concerted effort to weaken regulations on wetland construction, drawing connections between key industry players and proposed deregulations…”
“A proposed bill in Tennessee could remove legal protections from thousands of acres of wetlands, drawing criticism from environmentalists and residents who worry about increased flooding and loss of biodiversity…”
“The Tennessee Senate decided to defer a developer-backed bill that would have ended protections for thousands of acres of wetlands, putting the measure on hold for further study…”
“A controversial bill to roll back protections on more than 430,000 acres of wetlands in Tennessee has been effectively defeated, with a senate committee voting Wednesday to send the measure to a legislative study session over the summer…”
By Anita Wadhwani, Tennessee Lookout
“A controversial measure to strip Tennessee’s wetlands of protections cleared another legislative hurdle Tuesday as the state House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee advanced the bill sponsored by Rep. Kevin Vaughan…”
“Tennessee lawmakers are revisiting a proposal to lift protections for thousands of acres of wetlands, sparking renewed debate on the impact on flood prevention and water quality…”
“Tennessee lawmakers are revisiting plans to roll back state regulations that protect nearly half a million acres of Tennessee wetlands from development…”
“Tennessee may soon change the way it regulates wetlands.
Earlier this year, state lawmakers proposed a developer-backed bill to remove protections on more than half of Tennessee’s wetlands. That bill was defeated, but another version of the bill is expected by spring.
…”
“Tennessee lawmakers will again consider removing legal protections for wetlands across the state this year. If passed into law, the measure would benefit developers, making construction easier and cheaper while harming some of Tennessee’s most valuable natural real estate…”
“
Tennessee lawmakers are considering a bill to remove protections for certain types of wetlands across the state to financially benefit developers.
The bill is on the schedule for debate this week with a new amendment. 
The original bill would have cut all regulations for development related to “geographically isolated wetlands,” a misnomer for wetlands connected to bodies of water through groundwater or storms. The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Kevin Vaughan, R-Collierville, is a developer and was associated with a development project in 2019 that illegally drained and filled a wetland.”
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